From a blend similar to that of the corresponding 2009, Spring Valley's 2008 Frederick does not suffer from its 15.3% alcohol or two-thirds new wood, offering rich cassis and cherry mingled with resin, soy, and bitter-tart huckleberry on a plush, polished palate. The fruit is mouth-coating, while the saline savor serves for some saliva-inducement, and the wine's tartness and piquancy are invigorating but relatively well-integrated in the sustained finish. I-m not at all confident about how this will age, but certainly another couple of years represent a very safe holding period. It will be interesting to see whether it picks up some nuance with a few years in bottle. 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

The Frederick bottling complements the Uriah, with Cabernet Sauvignon comprising half the blend. All five Bordeaux grapes are included, and the finished wine is aged for 21 months in two thirds new French oak. It all adds up to a lush, high alcohol, jammy wine with black cherry fruit framed in toasty barrel flavors.——P.G.(12/15/2011)—— 89