NAME ORIGIN
The names given to Spring Valley Vineyard wines are a tribute to
the family members who have succeeded in farming the same land
where the vineyard and winery now flourish. A 100% Cabernet Franc,
this wine is named in honor of Uriah Corkrum’s wife Katherine, a
native of Wales who immigrated to Walla Walla Territory in 1897.
She and Uriah had four sons, including Frederick Corkrum.
A FAMILY TRADITION
Following the tradition of Uriah, Katherine, Frederick, and Nina
Lee Corkrum, Shari Corkrum Derby and her husband Dean Derby
continue to operate the wheat fields, vineyard, and winery. The
hard work, traditional values, and deep family ties that have kept
the ranch going for over 100 years are mirrored in Spring Valley
Vineyard’s signature offerings.
THE VINEYARD
Spring Valley Vineyard is situated 12 miles northeast of Walla
Walla, amid the picturesque wheat fields of southeastern Washington
with the Blue Mountains providing the backdrop. The initial block
of Merlot was planted in 1993 on a south-southwest facing hillside.
The vines follow the northsouth slope of the hills in vertical
rows, an orientation that, combined with the declination of the
slope, allows the vines to take optimal advantage of air drainage,
sunshine, and the reflective nature of the surrounding wheat
fields.
Great care is taken when caring for the vineyard. Every grape is
tended by hand, including crop thinning, leaf pulling, and
harvesting, as well as hand-burying individual canes to protect
them during the winter in southeastern Washington.
WINEMAKING
Spring Valley Vineyard fruit is hand-picked, hand-sorted, and
gently de-stemmed by gravity.During the 10-20 day fermentation,
each tank is tasted daily until Serge decides it is time to press
using wooden cage basket presses. In keeping with Spring Valley
tradition, originally instituted by founding winemaker Devin
Corkrum Derby, hand punchdowns occur twice a day until the end of
alcoholic fermentation. The wine is transferred by pump into barrel
for secondary fermentation, and then gets racked several times for
clarity. Finally, the different lots are blended to create our six
distinctive labels.
WINEMAKER TASTING NOTES
Cabernet Franc flourishes at Spring Valley. This Katherine is ripe,
rich, and round with aromas of dried strawberry, tobacco and
licorice, summer fruit flavors and a silky finish of pastry and
exotic spices. ~ Serge Laville, Winemaker