Purchased back in March 2013 during a trip to Walla Walla and a visit to the winery, this wine made an appearance over Canadian Thanksgiving with friends, family and a chilli dinner.

Clear and bright, ruby turning to deep purple with legs, on the nose this was clean with medium plus intensity and aromas of violets, blackberry, vine, cassis and bumbleberry. Comprised of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, it is from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge vineyards in Walla Walla Valley.

The palate was dry with medium plus alcohol (high by the percentage, but it didn’t drink that high), high acidity, grippy tannins and medium plus flavour characteristics of boysenberry and leather glove, blackberry vine, liquorice and black pepper with violet. This wine was aged in 100% French oak (44% new and 56% second fill) for 20 months and had a long finish.

The tannins and acidity will enable it to age at least 5-7 more years although it is drinking beautifully now. A WSET ‘very good’ integrated wine with lovely fruit and secondary flavour characteristics.