This Merlot blend gets its name from the grandfather of Shari Corkrum Derby. Born in Walla Walla on June 1, 1866, he was the first child born to his parents after their trip West by wagon train. Uriah began successfully farming on his own during the 1880s. A rainy summer prevented him from getting his wheat from the field to the warehouse and he lost everything during the Depression of 1893. Later that same year, his wife died in childbirth along with their fourth child, leaving him with two young children. Uriah continued to persevere and in 1910 acquired the land known as Spring Valley.
This Cabernet Sauvignon blend is named for Frederick Corkrum, son of Uriah and father of Shari. Fred grew up in Spring Valley, attending country and Sharpstein grade schools and Walla Walla High School before graduating from Whitman College. Farming with his father and brothers, he took time out during college days at Whitman to play football under coach Nig Borleske. Our Frederick label is his picture from those days. Fred returned to the Ranch full time after graduating from Whitman. Fred had begun driving the mules in the farming operation at age 12 and was always considered the head Mule Skinner.
This 100% Syrah is named for the wife of Frederick Corkrum. Fred knew Nina Lee was for him when he first saw her, in 1926, working in the cashiers cage at the Liberty Theatre in Walla Walla. Nina Lee gave up her promising dance career when they married three years later, just before the Great Depression hit America in 1929. They began their struggle to keep the ranch afloat, which they did with great success. Following Frederick's death in 1957, Nina Lee, not wanting to depend on anyone for her livelihood, continued to operate the ranch on her own. Nina Lee passed away after 21 years of successful farming.