Spring Valley Uriah 2005 Wine Review (NW)

Tasting notes:

Nose of blueberry, raspberry, and spice

Dense, dark berry core on the palate

Moderately strong tannins on the finish with black cherry, mixed berries, and cocoa

It's always a treat to see this wine on a restaurant wine list. I recently paid $88 for the pleasure of popping the cork at a casual, upscale restaurant. (The retail price is around $45).

While complex and fragrant, the 2005 is a bit tighter and more tannic than in prior years. This is the third vintage I've sampled, and although it's the least impressive, it is still a terrific wine. Raise a glass!