Wine Spectator 92 points - Focused, ripe, deftly balanced and generous with its dark berry and mint flavors, lingering enticingly against light prickles of tannins on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Drink now through 2016.—H.S. (Jun 11 2012)
Spring Valley Vineyard was established in 1993 on wheat land in Spring Valley, Walla Walla County; land that has been farmed by the Corkrum family for five generations. Evaluation of the terroir revealed an excellent environment for growing wine grapes. With elevation between 1,200 and 1,500 feet, today Spring Valley maintains a forty-acre vineyard made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, CabernetFranc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Syrah.
Placed on a south-southwest facing hillside, the vines follow the north-south slope of the hills in vertical rows. This orientation, coupled with the declination of slope affords the vines optimal sunshine, cold air, drainage, and takes advantage of the reflective nature of the surrounding hills.
Following the tradition of Uriah, Frederick and Nina Lee Corkrum, Shari Corkrum Derby and her husband Dean Derby continue to operate the wheat, vineyard and winery. Dean’s brother, Gaynor Derby, manages the vineyard. The hard work, traditional values and deep family ties that have kept the ranch going got over 100 years is mirrored in Spring Valley Vineyard’s signature offerings.
