The Stones Speak at Saviah Cellars

Rich Funk, of Saviah Cellars, is an awesome ambassador for The Rocks District of Milton Freewater AVA.  His winery is located just North of the Washington/Oregon state line that divides the Walla Walla Valley AVA.  The winery was founded in 2000 and has been turning out quality Washington wine ever since.

Back in 2000 Rich's family name didn't seem like a great name for a winery.  Fast forward to 2018 and "Funk" seems like the perfect name to represent a winery with 20 acres of estate vineyards located in The Rocks District of Milton Freewater.

Rich has two primary vineyards located in "The Rocks" - The Funk Estate vineyard and The Stones Speak vineyard.  These vineyards are dominated by Syrah plantings that find their way into three wines that make up Saviah's Estate Collection: The Stones Speak Syrah, Hunt and Gather and The Funk Syrah.

I made a quick side trip during the 2018 Wine Bloggers Conference to visit with Rich and taste some of his latest offerings.   Harvest is going full bore in Washington state and Saviah was definitely buzzing during my visit.  Rich was gracious enough to take some time out of his day to share stories and wine.

Here are three wines from The Rocks that definitely speak to the AVA's uniqueness:


The Stones Speak estate syrah is made from 100% syrah sourced from The Stones Speak estate vineyard in the Rocks District.

This wine showcases the sultry and savory, rich character that makes Syrah from the Rocks so unique.  It also shows off beautiful floral notes as the wine opens in your glass.

The wine is aged for 17 months in 20% new French Oak Puncheons.

The Funk Syrah comes from the Funk estate vineyard  and is co-fermented with 4% Viognier.

This wine is aged for 17 months in 20% new French oak puncheons and  an additional 18 months in bottle.

The wine opens up with savory notes of olives, and dark floral notes including a hint of orange peel.  The palate features more dark savory & sultry character with notes of white pepper joining the party.


Hunt and Gather combines Syrah from the Funk Estate vineyard and Cabernet Sauvignon from the McClellan vineyard.  The two grapes grown in different locations combine together to show off The Rocks funk on the nose and then more elegant fruit and tannins from the McClellan Cab.

2013 Hunt and Gather is an even 50/50 split of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.  This wine starts out with notes of savory oily olives, rich berries and dusty floral notes that are followed by a light peppery finish that includes fine tannins and subtle cocoa powder notes.

 
Rich shared a preview of the yet to be released 2014 which features a larger dose of the McClellan Cab at 60% of the blend.  Funk Estate Syrah makes up the other 40%.   The 2014 Hunt and Gather brings similar savory briney olive notes with hints of orange peel on the nose.  The palate is smoky and savory with the addition of floral dried cherries and currants that give way to a finish that features fine tannins and light cracked pepper.





If you are visiting Walla Walla and want to learn more about The Rocks District of Milton Freewater, I highly recommend making a visit to Saviah Cellars!