Spring Valley Uriah Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, Washington

We’ve been tasting Uriah, Spring Valley’s cabernet franc–dominant blend, since my first issue, in December 2000. Eighteen vintages later, it remains a product of place, of the graceful wind-shaped Palouse Hills in the northeast corner of Walla Walla: It’s generous in its flavors of plum and violet, with hints of balsamic and herbs alongside dusty minerality; for brisket.  Blend: 43% Cabernet Franc, 38% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec