One of the rising stars in Washington wine, Elephant Seven relies on the winemaking talents of Joshua West. Joshua has a background in investment banking and has only has been winemaking on a full time basis for several years. He has previously worked for Whitehaven in New Zealand as well as interning at Figgins, Cadaretta, and Dusted Valley in Walla Walla. Finally Joshua and his wife got the nerve to start his own winery and this year he opened up his tasting room in downtown Walla Walla.
The new releases from Elephant Seven were really good across the board. I really enjoyed his 2016 Elephant Seven ‘Yellow Bird VIneyard’ Grenache (WWB, 91) which has a wonderful purity of fruit and shows copious red fruits and a lovely mouthfeel. Even better was the 2016 Elephant Seven ‘Yellow Bird Vineyard’ Syrah (WWB, 92) which is deep and has wonderful citrus tones from the Viognier which was co-fermented. Learn more about this exciting new Washington winery at https://www.elephantsevenwine.com/ Here are the new releases by Elephant Seven.
2017 Elephant Seven ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ Viognier- This pale colored Viognier wine starts off with a bouquet of lychee, green apple and kumquat. Made on the refreshing, rather than reductive style, the wine shows off bright unripe pear, green papaya and Gravenstein apple flavors with good acidity. What this doesn’t posses in weight it has in good acidity. Drink 2018-2022- 89
2016 Elephant Seven ‘Yellow Bird Vineyard’ Grenache- This deep colored wine is a compelling blend of 80% Grenache with the remainder Syrah. Needing about an hour in the decanter to settle, this starts off with bright red cherry, wild blackberry and thyme aromatics. The palate is both rich and balanced. Red cherry preserves, marionberry cordial, and roasted date flavors impress. Polished, with a good mouthfeel, this delicious wine will drink well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 91
2016 Elephant Seven ‘Yellow Bird Vineyard’ Syrah- There is a lot to like with the 2016 ‘Yellow Bird Vineyard’ Syrah by Elephant Seven. The wine was co-fermented with 8% Viognier prior to bottling. Smoked brisket, anise and blueberry compote aromas fill the glass. There is a lifted, lighter citrus tone from the Viognier. The palate is exceedingly plush, as the wine shows beautiful layers of dark fruits with citrus rind and pomegranate seed flavors. Downright delicious now, this will cellar well for eight plus years. Drink 2018-2026- 92
2016 Elephant Seven ‘Block 3 Yellow Bird Vineyard’ Syrah- The wine stains the glass and shows beautifully smoky tones on the nose with blue and dark fruits also prominent. The mouthfeel is dense and downright decadent. Black tea, anise, blueberry compote and mocha flavors all shine. Exceedingly good, this is a seriously good wine made by Josh West. Drink 2018-2028- 92