2014 Saviah Une Vallée Walla Walla Valley Red
The delicate balance to what some would say success and others suck less.
Saviah Cellars, under the meticulous eye of winemaker Richard Funk, crafts exceptional Bordeaux-inspired blends showcasing Washington's Walla Walla Valley. Their 2014 Une Vallée Red exemplifies the elegance and power that this unique region can offer.
Saviah Cellars: A Focus on Quality
Established in 1999, Saviah Cellars has built a reputation for small-lot wines of distinction. Their focus lies in single-vineyard and appellation-specific bottlings, allowing them to highlight the nuances of Walla Walla's varied sites.
Une Vallée: A Blend of the Finest
Une Vallée, French for "one valley," is Saviah's flagship blend. It incorporates the finest barrels of the vintage, typically featuring Cabernet Sauvignon as the base, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and occasionally Petit Verdot.
The 2014 Vintage: Near-Perfect Conditions
2014 was a highly-regarded growing season in Walla Walla. Warm, consistent weather led to excellent ripeness yet retained the grapes' vibrant acidity – a key component for age-worthy reds.
Tasting Notes: 2014 Une Vallée
Appearance: Deep ruby red with potential for a slight brick rim suggesting maturity.
Aroma: Expect a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, tobacco, dark chocolate, and subtle spice notes.
Palate: Full-bodied with concentrated dark fruit flavors, complemented by vanilla, cassis, and spice. Polished tannins provide a robust structure.
Finish: Long and persistent, with a harmonious balance of fruit, spice, and a touch of minerality.
Food Pairings
The 2014 Une Vallée demands equally rich and flavorful dishes:
Prime Rib with Roasted Vegetables: The wine's structure stands up to the richness of the meat.
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb: Complements the herbal notes and rich flavours.
Mushroom Risotto Earthy flavours mirror the wine's complexity.
Cellaring Potential
While approachable now, the 2014 Une Vallée has the potential to age gracefully for several more years. Expect the tannins to soften further and tertiary notes of leather, earth, and spice to emerge.
Where to Find It
Due to its age, the 2014 vintage might be challenging to find. Try these options:
Online Wine Auctions: Platforms specializing in older Napa vintages might have it.
Fine Wine Retailers: Specialty wine shops might carry it.
Direct from the Winery: Saviah Cellars occasionally releases library wines – inquire directly.
A Taste of Walla Walla Excellence
The 2014 Saviah Une Vallée Red exemplifies the region's ability to produce world-class Bordeaux-style blends. It showcases the vintage's quality and highlights Saviah Cellar's dedication to exceptional winemaking.