Seven Hills Winery 2016 Seven Hills Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley, $50
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, the elegant yet powerful structure that carries this single-vineyard red wine has long been a trademark of this flagship Walla Walla Valley winery. Seamless in style, expressing abundant flavors of rich, ripe blackberry, plum and raspberry accompanied by finely balanced expressions of cocoa, tobacco leaf and savory herbs. This distinguished version conveys a true sense of place and will continue to improve with several years of cellar aging.
Pairing tip: New York Steak with blue cheese butter and sauteed Brussels sprouts.
Seven Hills Winery 2016 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, $25
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Sourced from select hand-farmed and hand-harvested vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley including Seven Hills Vineyard, Les Collines and McClellan Estate Vineyard, this Merlot (85%) is balanced with a little Cabernet Sauvignon (11%) and Cabernet Franc (4%). Well-crafted with a polished flair, this version entices with aromas of wild berries, dried herbs, clove and anise seed. The mouthfeel is smooth, delivering harmonious black cherry and cassis flavors accented with dried blueberry, tobacco and spice. An overlay of gentle tannins grace the finish.
Pairing tip: perfect with Risotto with butternut squash, mushrooms and smoky bacon.