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:

Washington Syrah vs. Australian Shiraz

January is the height of Winter in most Northern hemisphere countries.  The pro cyclocross racers are peaking for their National and then World Championships while the road cyclists are busy looking for warm dry climates to train in.

Not in Australia!  January in Australia is the height of Summer and brings their National road championships.  January also features several top level pro road races.  These races are typically dominated by the Australian racers due to the timing of their National championships.  Also, most stage racers are just starting their training program with an eye on big races to come in May, June and July.

Caleb Ewan dominated the early season races in Australia.  His sprint victories in The Tour Down Under, Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic and The Australian Elite Men's Criterium Championship showed everybody that he may be the next top level pro sprinter to come from Down Under.  We'll see how things play out in the Tour de France in July.  That will be the next big opportunity for Ewan to show he may be ready to take the sprinter's baton from Robbie McEwan.

This week's matchup features a Washington Syrah taking on an Australian Shiraz in honor of the early season Australian racing.

2013 Skylite Cellars Walla Walla Syrah vs. 2014 Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz