Spring Valley Frederick Estate Red 2005
Bordeaux Red Blends
from Walla Walla Valley, Washington
winemaker's notes:
2005 was not only a stable vintage throughout the growing season, from a weather standpoint, but it was probably one of the best vintages coming from the Walla Walla Valley. Slightly warmer than the long-term average, with a fairly long and dry late season, resulted in smaller berries with full ripeness, good concentration of flavors, and balanced acidity and tannins for all varieties at Spring Valley Vineyard.
There is a lot of muscle in this fifth seductive vintage of Frederick. The nose is bright with scents of licorice and blackberry. The mouth feel is huge with a concentration of dark ripe black fruit. As usual, the tannins are richly present with exceptional quality, adding to a lingering, soft finish. This wine is enjoyable now, although I recommend opening the bottle 48 hours in advance to decant, as this wine has a very serious aging potential. ~ Serge Laville, Winemaker
critical acclaim:
"The Frederick—a Bordeaux blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc and a splash of Petit Verdot—is entirely estate-grown, as are all of the Spring Valley wines. Located north of Walla Walla, in rolling wheat country, the vines attain a different set of flavors than anywhere else in the valley. It’s an unusual combination of power (15.5% alcohol) and breed. Supple, sleek, mixing its black fruits with streaks of gun metal, iron and pencil lead, this is a wine that wants to tackle a prime rib, mano à mano."
90 Points
Wine Enthusiast
