Seven Hills
Founded in 1988, Seven Hills is a Walla Walla mainstay that makes a cracking Rose and excellent Cabernet. A visit to their tasting room and you will try one of the best 2014 WA Roses out there. The Seven Hills vineyard is a historic vineyard and some of the best Washington wineries have sourced from there. Seven Hills wines tend to be restrained and balanced rather than extracted. They’ve received considerably acclaim for their Pentad, a Red Blend, that received 96 points from Wine Enthusiast for their 2009 version. Their latest Cabernet release was an excellent effort that can cellar for another decade. Here are some of the wines that I sampled at the Seven Hills tasting room.
2012 Seven Hills Riesling-Nose has pear, cantaloupe, cut grass and has nice brightness. Palate has lemon lime, baked apple, gooseberry and slate. Rich and layered for the price. -91
2013 Seven Hills Pinot Gris- Made from Oregon Fruit. Cantaloupe and pear on the nose. Palate has cantaloupe, lemon zest, pear and vanilla on the finish. Excellent. -90.
2014 Seven Hills Rose- This is 84% Cab Franc with the rest Petite Verdot and Malbec . Strawberry, baked apple and raspberry on the nose. Palate has pear, strawberry and guava. Lithe and delicious. -91
2013 Seven Hills Malbec- This is from the McClellan Estate which is next to the Seven Hills Vineyard. Bright nose with blueberry and blackberry with oak. Palate has blueberry, blackberry, and red currant flavors. Nice richness. Drink 2016 on. -91
2012 Seven Hills ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ Merlot- Nose has red cherry, anise and oak. Palate has red cherry, spice box and blackberry. Nice balance and weight. Drink 2016 on. -90
2012 Seven Hills Ciel du Cheval Vineyard ‘Red Mountain’- Nose has anise, blackberry and cassis. Palate has red currant, blackberry and anise. Balanced but drink after 2016. -92
2012 Seven Hills Cabernet- Nose has cherry cough syrup, anise and blackberry. Palate has blackberry, black cherry and anise with mocha. Delicious and rich. Drink 2016 on. -92
2013 Seven Hills Late Harvest Riesling- Made from 9.5% residual sugar and 10% alcohol. Nose has apricot and pear. Palate has lemon lime, grapefruit, tangerine and is medium sweet. Great acidity and balance. -92