Did not like the Spring Valley Vineyard Frederick on day 1 as it was tight and not showing much. Day 2 and 3 showed way more promise on this wine and it should be cellared for another 3 to 4 years.
2013 Spring Valley Vineyard Frederick – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (2/14/2019)
Day 1: Pop and pour. Perfect serving temperature as it was pulled from the passive cellar. Something I always need to remind others and myself when drinking red wine. Not the most balanced effort featuring earth, leather, subtle fruits and spices. Shorter finish and just not that interesting. I am thankful I spent only $27 for this wine. Maybe more promise on day 2 or 3. 85 points
Day 2: Better and more open for business. Perfume, floral, spices, chocolate, dark fruits and tobacco. Classic case of a wine that is not ready to drink but most would discard it. Day 2 shows a lot of potential and this could be a blockbuster Washington State Bordeaux Blend. 90+ points
Day 3: Dust, chocolate, spice, dark fruits and floral notes. Medium plus finish and balanced. 90 points
Recommendation: Hold until 2021 and beyond. (90 points)
A wow wine on day 1 and 2 but fell apart on day 3 which tells me drink these younger. Drink now to 2021.
2014 K Vintners Syrah Rock Garden – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley (2/13/2019)
Day 1: Black olives, charred meats, white pepper, tar and red currants. Super balanced wine and good acidity. Northern Rhone like. Very elegant overall and not an over extracted, ripe wine. This is a benchmark K Syrah. 93 + points
Day 2: Picks up some weight. Black olives, white pepper, truffles, tar and darker fruits. A bit more concentrated than day 1. Nice overall finish and good acidity. This is a balanced effort with all the characteristics I enjoy from the Syrah grape. Outstanding. 94 points
Day 3: Completely different experience with green olives, mint, jalapeno peppers, pepper and sour cherries. Not nearly as good as day 2 and 1. Would not be thrilled if this was day 1 experience. 88 points
Recommendation: Hard one here. Love day 1 and 2 so I say pop and pour consume young but I also could see 3 to 4 years this being really good. (94 points)