The 2007 Merlot Columbia Valley, which contains 11% Cabernet Franc with the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 18 months in 30% new oak. Medium purple-colored, it offers up a nose of spice box, violets, cassis, cedar, and black cherry. Medium-bodied, supple, and easy-going with enough underlying structure to evolve for 1-2 years, this medium-long effort will drink well through 2019.Firm in texture, with chewy tannins around a lean core of ripe black cherry and black pepper flavors, remaining firm on the lively finish. Best from 2012 through 2015. 5,237 cases madeModerately saturated bright red. Ripe aromas of plum, red berries, cedar and spices. The intense cherry, berry and spice flavors show nice definition and a light touch. A bit clenched on the back end, but finishes with good lift and verve.
The fruit for the 2007 Apogee Pepper Bridge Vineyard matured 2 weeks later than the Seven Hills fruit. It is an almost identical blend with the exception of 6% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc and was aged in 50% new oak. Aromas of toasty oak, tobacco, leather, Asian spices, black currant, and black cherry leads to a more structured offering that will require 4-6 years of cellaring. Well-balanced, intense, and mouth-filling, it will amply reward those with patience
| Review |
| Wine Enthusiast 91 Points
"This is a beautiful wine from the nose on out. Complex and aromatic, it has Italian-style tobacco scents, fresh acidity, leafy highlights, and undertones of tar, licorice and clove, all wrapped around tart, pie cherry fruit." |
