Also recommended, but no tasting note given. Now part of the Ste. Michelle galaxy, and named for an area 12 miles north of Walla Walla, Spring Valley Vineyard was first planted in 1993-95 by a local wheat-farming family and the first wines were bottled under its label in 1999. Following the early death of owner-winemaker Devin Corkrum Derby in 2004, his French friend and assistant at the time, Serge Laville, stepped into that role, which he retained when the brand (though not the Corkrum family vineyards) were sold to Ste. Michelle. Each varietally-labeled, estate-grown Spring Valley wine is 100% from its labeled variety, and each of the winery's bottlings is associated with - as well as adorned by an antique photograph of - one or more of the vineyard owners- ancestors. Tel. (509) 337-6915

This new Uriah marks a return to form; big, brawny, chewy and complex, yet generous and complete. The blend continues as before—54% Merlot, 33% Cab Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 6% Malbec, all estate-grown. The wine opens with barrel scents and flavors of tea, tobacco and wood smoke. The cherry-flavored fruit saturates the tobacco notes, gaining mass and turning into cherry cobbler as it does. ——P.G.(8/1/2009)—— 93