Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
Brooding aromas of herb, dark fruit and spice lead to full bodied cranberry and cherry flavors that bring a lot of oomph. It’s a delicious example of the variety. Dec/2016 —Sean P. Sullivan
Wine Advocate – 88 Points
The 2013 Syrah Nina Lee is a stunner! Concentrated, medium to full-bodied, polished and elegant, it has terrific notes of black raspberries toasted spice, cedar and oak. Possessing polished tannin, good mid-palate depth and a great finish, drink this beauty anytime over the coming decade. Note, the blend is 80% Syrah, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Viognier, aged 19 months in 50% new French oak. Jun/2016 —Jeb Dunnuck
Description
The 2013 Spring Valley Vineyard Syrah Nina Lee is a captivating expression of Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley, showcasing the meticulous winemaking and distinctive terroir that define Spring Valley Vineyard. Named after Nina Lee, a pioneer and matriarch of the Corkrum family who founded the estate, this Syrah is a tribute to her enduring legacy.
In the glass, the Nina Lee Syrah unveils a deep, garnet hue, hinting at the richness that awaits. The nose is an intricate dance of blackberries, blueberries, and violets, interwoven with subtle hints of smoked meat, black pepper, and a touch of vanilla. It’s a symphony of aromas that foreshadows the complexity of the palate.
Upon tasting, the wine unfolds with a harmonious blend of flavors. Ripe black fruit, including black cherries and plums, takes center stage, supported by layers of savory spices, espresso, and a touch of dark chocolate. The tannins are well-integrated, contributing to a luxurious and velvety texture that lingers through the long and elegant finish.
The 2013 vintage, marked by optimal growing conditions, allowed the Syrah grapes to achieve full ripeness and complexity. This resulted in a wine that perfectly encapsulates the Walla Walla Valley’s ability to produce world-class Syrah.
The Nina Lee Syrah is a testament to Spring Valley Vineyard’s commitment to crafting wines of exceptional quality and character. With each sip, it invites wine enthusiasts to experience the legacy of Nina Lee and the enduring terroir of Walla Walla Valley. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further development, this Syrah is a celebration of family, tradition, and the artistry of Washington State winemaking.
Spring Valley Vineyard, situated in Washington State’s acclaimed Walla Walla Valley, has etched its name as a venerable producer of exceptional wines, with a history deeply intertwined with viticulture and the renowned Corkrum family. The estate’s journey began in the late 1800s when Uriah Corkrum, a pioneering settler, established a farmstead on the land that would later become Spring Valley Vineyard.
Fast forward to the 1990s when the Corkrum family, inspired by their agricultural heritage, transitioned their estate into a vineyard with a focus on Bordeaux varieties. Spring Valley Vineyard officially took root, with Uriah’s great-great-grandson Devin Corkrum Derby at the helm, embodying a commitment to quality winemaking and showcasing the unique terroir of Walla Walla Valley.
One pivotal aspect of Spring Valley’s story is its partnership with Chateau Ste. Michelle, Washington State’s oldest and most acclaimed winery. In the early 2000s, Chateau Ste. Michelle collaborated with Spring Valley Vineyard to create the exceptional “Erin’s Cuvée,” a Merlot-based blend named after Derby’s sister. This collaboration brought Spring Valley’s wines to a broader audience, contributing to the winery’s growing reputation for crafting wines of distinction.
The estate is particularly renowned for its single-vineyard expressions, such as the Nina Lee Syrah. Named after Nina Lee Corkrum, who played a pivotal role in preserving the family’s heritage, this Syrah exemplifies the estate’s dedication to honoring its legacy through exceptional winemaking. The wines of Spring Valley Vineyard consistently capture the unique characteristics of the Walla Walla Valley, known for its diverse soils and optimal grape-growing conditions.
The estate’s commitment to sustainability and meticulous vineyard practices further emphasizes its dedication to crafting wines that reflect the essence of the land. With each vintage, Spring Valley Vineyard seeks to tell a story of heritage, tradition, and the continued pursuit of excellence.
Spring Valley Vineyard’s wines have garnered critical acclaim, earning a place among the elite producers of Washington State. The estate stands as a testament to the synergy between family history, modern winemaking techniques, and a deep respect for the land. As it continues to shape the narrative of Walla Walla Valley’s winemaking, Spring Valley Vineyard remains a symbol of enduring commitment and a standard-bearer for the excellence Washington State wines are known for.
Wine Advocate (WA)
Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers
Founded in 1978 by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate revolutionized the wine industry with its adoption of the 100-point scoring system. It quickly became the most influential source of wine ratings globally, especially for Bordeaux, Rhône, and California wines. Parker’s precise palate and fearless opinions gained him a loyal readership. Today, under the editorial leadership of Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and a team of regional specialists like Joe Czerwinski and William Kelley, the publication continues to deliver deeply researched, blind-tasted reviews with global reach. It remains subscription-based and independent, with over 30,000 wines reviewed each year.
Wine Spectator (WS)
America’s Leading Wine Magazine and Rating Publication
Wine Spectator has been a staple of the wine world since its founding in 1976 by Bob Morrisey. Purchased shortly after by Marvin R. Shanken, the publication grew into the most widely read wine magazine in the U.S. It is known for its blind tastings, detailed vintage charts, consumer-focused reviews, and accessible scoring system. Its famous “Top 100 Wines” list each year influences buying trends across the industry. With a team of dedicated critics covering nearly every wine-producing region on Earth, Wine Spectator remains a trusted name for both collectors and casual drinkers alike, reaching millions in both print and digital formats.
James Suckling (JS)
Global Critic Known for Rapid Reviews and Bold Ratings
James Suckling spent nearly three decades at Wine Spectator, serving as Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief, before launching his own platform in 2010. Renowned for his fast-paced review style, Suckling and his team rate more than 25,000 wines annually from all over the world — with a strong focus on Italy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Chile. His reviews are direct and generous, often accompanied by tasting videos and interviews with winemakers. Suckling also hosts large-scale tasting events around the globe and maintains strong influence on luxury wine buying in Asia, particularly Hong Kong and China.
Wine Enthusiast (WE)
Wine Ratings, Lifestyle, and Buying Guide
Since 1979, Wine Enthusiast has published wine reviews, buying guides, and lifestyle content for both entry-level drinkers and experienced collectors. The magazine evaluates thousands of wines annually using a 100-point scale and offers detailed, easy-to-understand tasting notes. Its team includes regional editors specializing in North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Wine Enthusiast also provides wine accessories and hosts wine events. It’s known for its strong online presence and educational tone, making it one of the most accessible and widely read wine publications in the United States.
The Wine Independent (TWI)
Subscription-Based, Critically-Researched Wine Analysis
Founded in 2021 by former Wine Advocate editor-in-chief Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and wine photographer Johan Berglund, The Wine Independent emphasizes transparency, independence, and long-form, in-depth critical reviews. It operates on a subscription-only model and maintains no advertising relationships, ensuring its opinions are entirely editorial and not influenced by wineries or sponsors. Their reviews, primarily focused on Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Champagne, feature detailed tasting notes and region-specific insights, and the site aims to be a trusted source for high-end collectors and trade professionals.
Burghound (BH)
Burgundy Expertise and Global Pinot Noir Specialist
Allen Meadows launched Burghound.com in 2001 after a successful career in finance and years of deep study into the wines of Burgundy. His quarterly reports are considered the gold standard for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, especially from France and Oregon. Burghound is highly regarded for its vintage retrospectives, producer profiles, and strict scoring discipline. Meadows is known for revisiting wines across vintages to track aging and performance, providing valuable data for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW)
Decades of California-Centric Ratings and Commentary
Founded in 1974 by Charles Olken, the Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine was one of the first American wine publications dedicated exclusively to California wines. It employs a star-based rating system rather than numerical scores, offering short, consumer-friendly reviews with strong editorial consistency. It reviews wines monthly and is particularly noted for its fair treatment of smaller wineries, as well as for educational columns that provide insight into varietals, regions, and vintage perspectives.
Wine & Spirits (W&S)
Restaurant Trends, Trade Tastings, and Thoughtful Reviews
Wine & Spirits Magazine has been publishing since 1982 and is known for its blind tasting panels, sustainable producer features, and restaurant-focused wine trends. The magazine’s annual Restaurant Poll surveys top U.S. restaurants for their bestselling wines, offering unique insight into trade buying patterns. It covers both domestic and international regions with tasting panels led by respected critics, and places a strong emphasis on balanced, food-friendly wines. The publication is widely read by industry professionals, sommeliers, and wine educators.
The Tasting Panel (TP)
Trade-Oriented Publication Blending Ratings with Wine Business Insight
The Tasting Panel is a leading beverage trade magazine that reviews wine, spirits, and beer with an eye toward the business side of the industry. Edited by Meridith May, the magazine blends product ratings with distributor insights, marketing trends, and interviews with industry leaders. Its wine scores often appear in distributor portfolios and retail shelf talkers. Known for a broad palate and market-savvy commentary, The Tasting Panel holds a unique position between reviewer and trade magazine.
Vinous (VN)
Modern Multimedia Wine Criticism with a Global Reach
Vinous was launched in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former lead critic at The Wine Advocate. The platform combines written reviews, video content, interactive maps, and tasting notes across a global array of regions, from Barolo to California. Vinous has absorbed other major outlets like Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, expanding its reach and credibility. With contributors like Eric Guido, Josh Raynolds, and Neal Martin, Vinous is widely respected by collectors and industry professionals.
Stephen Tanzer (ST)
Veteran Critic Known for Precise, Classic Palate
Stephen Tanzer was the publisher of the International Wine Cellar for nearly 25 years before merging with Vinous in 2014. Known for his conservative scoring style and deep knowledge of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and U.S. wines, Tanzer remains a respected contributor at Vinous. His legacy includes pioneering English-language coverage of less-celebrated wine regions and maintaining credibility with both trade professionals and collectors. Tanzer’s tasting notes are concise, technical, and valued for their consistency.
Jancis Robinson (JR)
Master of Wine and One of the Most Respected Critics Worldwide
Jancis Robinson MW is a globally recognized wine critic, journalist, and author based in the UK. She was the first person outside the wine trade to earn the Master of Wine title in 1984. Her Oxford Companion to Wine and World Atlas of Wine (co-authored with Hugh Johnson) are essential references in the industry. Robinson serves as wine advisor to the British royal cellar and is known for her scholarly yet accessible reviews and educational content at JancisRobinson.com.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD)
Former Aerospace Engineer Turned Rhône and U.S. Wine Authority
Jeb Dunnuck began his wine career writing a blog focused on the wines of the Rhône Valley and Southern France. He later joined The Wine Advocate before founding JebDunnuck.com in 2017. His publication focuses heavily on U.S. regions such as California and Washington, as well as France’s Rhône and Bordeaux. Known for a generous palate and bold tasting language, Dunnuck provides hundreds of detailed reviews per release cycle, frequently visiting producers and publishing regional deep-dives.
Decanter Magazine (D)
British Wine Authority Blending Criticism and Culture
Founded in 1975, Decanter is the UK’s oldest consumer wine publication. It has built a global reputation for thoughtful commentary, extensive blind tastings, and the annual Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the largest and most respected wine competitions. With contributors including Steven Spurrier, Jane Anson, and Andrew Jefford, Decanter provides wine education, interviews, travel features, and expert reviews. Its editorial voice reflects a balance of Old World tradition and New World curiosity.
Jane Anson (JA)
Bordeaux Specialist and Authoritative Wine Writer
Jane Anson spent nearly 20 years writing for Decanter Magazine before launching her own subscription-based platform, Inside Bordeaux. She is one of the most respected contemporary voices on Bordeaux, having authored “Inside Bordeaux” — a highly praised and scholarly reference work. Anson is noted for her deep engagement with vineyard practices, producer interviews, and regional changes. She holds a diploma from the Bordeaux Wine School and continues to publish detailed tasting reports and essays for…
Tasting Book ~ (TB)
Global Collector-Sourced Ratings and Reviews
The Tasting Book is an international digital platform that compiles wine reviews from professional critics, sommeliers, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world. Launched in Finland, it has grown to feature tens of thousands of wines with reviews from multiple perspectives. Each entry aggregates community feedback alongside professional commentary. Tasting Book is especially valued for its crowd-sourced balance and the ability to compare opinions across tasters. It is widely used by wine professionals, collectors, and auction houses.
