Spring Valley 2013 Uriah Red

Spring Valley Vineyard lies 12 miles northeast of Walla Walla, amid the picturesque wheat fields of southeastern Washington and the Blue Mountains in the distance. The initial block of Merlot was planted in 1993 on a southern hillside facing southwest. The vines follow the north-south slope of the hills in vertical rows, an orientation that when combined with the declination of the slope, allows the vines to take optimal advantage of air drainage, sunshine, and the reflective nature of the surrounding wheat fields.

Great care is taken when caring for the vineyard. Every grape is tended by hand, including crop thinning, leaf pulling, and harvesting, as well as hand-burying individual canes to protect them during the winter in southeastern Washington.

Blend: 45% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol: 14.1%

93 POINTS - "Broad and expressive, playing red plum, black cherry and peppery spice flavors against lightly prickly tannins, coming together on the long and generous finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon." - Wine Spectator

92 POINTS - "This wine is a blend of Merlot (45%), Cabernet Franc (34%), Petit Verdot (8%), Malbec (8%) and Cabernet Sauvignon. Brooding aromas of green herbs, flowers and cherry lead to a ripe full-flavored palate that shows a fine sense of balance." - Wine Enthusiast

This blend of 5 different varietals will please wine lovers who are looking for complexity, finesse and food friendly wines. The nose is terroir driven with hints of wheat, basalt dust and herbal notes. The palate is very rich and soft with cherries, cassis, and pomegranates. The finish is long and velvety.