Uriah (2001)

About this wine

The 2001 Uriah from Spring Valley Vineyard is a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, offering a rich and concentrated profile. On the nose, it presents spicy aromas of cardamom, olive, dill, and cherry jam, complemented by smoky, coffee, and peppery notes. The palate reveals peppery, spicy, tart black cherry, and licorice flavors, all wrapped up into a young red with fine potential. This wine was recognized as the #13 wine in Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2003, highlighting its exceptional quality.

About the grape

Spring Valley Vineyard's 2001 Uriah is a blend that prominently features Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, each contributing unique characteristics to the wine. Merlot, first planted at Spring Valley in 1993, thrives in the vineyard's south-southwest facing hillside, benefiting from optimal sun exposure and air drainage. Cabernet Franc, known for its earlier ripening, adds finesse and a peppery perfume to the blend, while Petit Verdot, though used in smaller quantities, contributes deep color and tannic structure. The vineyard's meticulous hand-tending practices, including crop thinning and leaf pulling, ensure the quality of these varietals, reflecting the family's dedication to their craft.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 2001 Uriah from Spring Valley Vineyard is a Bordeaux-style blend, composed of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot.
• 🏆 This vintage received high acclaim, earning a 94-point rating from Wine Spectator and ranking #13 in their Top 100 Wines of 2003.
• 🌾 Spring Valley Vineyard, located in Walla Walla Valley, Washington, has been family-owned for over a century, with the Corkrum and Derby families farming the land since the late 1800s.
• 🌄 The Walla Walla Valley AVA, established in 1984, is known for its unique terroir, featuring loess soils and a climate that contributes to the production of high-quality wines.
• 🍒 The 2001 Uriah was noted for its rich and concentrated profile, featuring spicy, tart black cherry, and licorice flavors, with fine potential for aging.

Palate profile

Producer

Spring Valley Vineyard, located 12 miles northeast of Walla Walla, Washington, has been farmed by the Corkrum and Derby families for over a century. The first Merlot vines were planted in 1993, and the inaugural wines were produced in 1999. In 2005, the vineyard was leased to Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, with French winemaker Serge Laville continuing the tradition of crafting estate-grown wines. The wines are named in tribute to family ancestors, reflecting the deep heritage of the land.