ReviewsAbout the Winery"We tasted a great Cabernet the other night, and debated whether we should tell you. That's because it smells and tastes exactly like what Cab ought to be and rarely is: faintly herbal with perfect structure. Indeed, the wine is throwback to the 1970s in that it is elegant, still richly flavored, and with dense fruit flavors and is not concentrated. The last word is the one that seems to be hung on all wines that score 95 or more; it seems to be mandatory if a wine is to be deemed great. But the Seven Hills wines from Washington are all great, yet lack concentration of oak, high alcohol, extract or power. What they are is balanced - so perfectly that I defy anyone to find a flaw. But be forewarned: All these red wines are scented with herbs from the vineyards. The result is utterly sublime wine making that not only represents terroir, but delivers great joy for pairing with food. Casey McClellan is one of those rare wine makers who gets it. In particular, his red wines from his Seven Hills Winery in Walla Walla show utter restraint and are a throwback to an era when wine was seen for its main attribute: as a great accompaniment to food...The 2006s listed in Tasting Notes are near-perfect examples of a style that I suggest is fast disappearing. But not at Seven Hills."
Mentioned in What to Drink in 2010: A Wine, Beer, and Cocktail Forecast. Excerpt from The Pioneers "One vineyard/winery I neglected to mention in this article was Seven Hills. They produce exceptional wine & are now available in Memphis." Excerpt from A Stylistic Dilemma "Seven Hills Winery is one of the elders among wineries in Walla Walla, Washington, an area that has seen an explosion of wineries over the past several years. The McClellans established their winery in 1988, way ahead of the growth curve. Several years before the winery's establishment, now-winemaker Casey McClellan and his father planted the renowned Seven Hills Vineyard. Originally owned by McClellan and partners, that vineyard changed hands in 1995, but the McClellans have 20 adjacent acres of vines in Seven Hills Vineyard. In addition, they make vineyard-designated wines from other celebrated vineyards elsewhere in the state, including a fine Cabernet from Klipsun Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA. I find the McClellans' reds to be, in general, relatively understated, well-balanced wines that aren't exaggerated in ripeness or alcohol....The wines are also very reasonably priced. To read the full article, click here. A Visit from Seven Hills With Casey and Vicky McClellan "A pioneering Washington State winery visits New York City. I recently had the chance to sit down with the proprietors of Washington State's Seven Hills winery; Casey and Vicky McClellan. This small winery, one of the oldest wineries of the Walla Walla valley, is quietly producing a broad range of fine wines that runs the gamut from rich Pinot Gris to elegant and refined Bordeaux blends. Drawing on fruit from their own vineyards, first planted in 1980, as well as fruit sourced from some of the state's premier growers, Seven Hills has taken full advantage of their nearly three decades of experience in the region to produce some of the finest, and most affordable, Washington state wines one is likely to find. It was a pleasure to meet Casey and Vicky and be introduced not only to their wines, but also to their philosophy, a philosophy that relies on securing the finest fruit they can - in the vineyards, and getting the purest and most complete expression of the fruit to their customers. Based on this limited set of wines, I would say they are fulfilling their end of the bargain quite well!" The Essence of Walla Walla "When Casey and Vicky McClellan opened Seven Hills Winery in 1988, it was only the fifth winery in the area. They also showcase fine Walla Walla fruit, as in the 2006 Merlot Seven Hills Vineyard, 2005 Pentad and 2006 Malbec. But, like many area wineries, Seven Hills still sources fruit from vineyards throughout the state of Washington. These are highlighted in the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, and most dramatically in the 2006 Vintage Red from the prized Ciel du Cheval Vineyard in Red Mountain. There's even a fine 2007 Oregon Pinot Gris. Today there are more than 100 wineries in Walla Walla, but Leonetti and Seven Hills still represent the essence of the valley. "In the heart of downtown you can walk to a number of tasting rooms all within a few blocks of each other. Seven Hills Winery is one of the region's oldest producers, and conveniently located on North 3rd Avenue." Ciel du Cheval2007 Ciel du Cheval, Red Mountain, Vintage Red WineBest Buy. "This powerhouse blend of cabernet, merlot and a bit of franc has all you'd want in a Red Mountain red: density, purity of fruit, intensity and length. Its deep, inky violet color sets it off presaging scents of plum, tar and a hint of eucalyptus. The flavors are ripe, fleshy and powerful, with a vinosity that keeps the wine earth-bound and on point. For a steak." Score: 94 points "Polished, round and effortlessly focused, with impressive cherry, beet and pomegranate aromas and flavors, persisting beautifully against mineral and spice notes on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2011 through 2017." Score: 93 point "Grapes for this wine come from Ciel du Cheval, one of Washington state's most famous vineyards. The wine is a Bordeaux-style blend, mainly of Cabernet and Merlot. It has aromas of red fruit, plum and black pepper, with bright flavors of slightly tart plum and peppery spice." "A bit fresher with rich fruit, a lovely herbal note in the aroma, and a great finish. Classic mid-palate that needs about two more years to show its development." "Exceptional" Excerpt from A Stylistic Dilemma "The 2007 Ciel du Cheval wine is the softer, subtler, more approachable one. It's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (43%), Merlot from 30-year-old vines (34%), and fan-trained Petit Verdot (14%) and Cabernet Franc (9%), from a vintage that McClellan describes as 'ripe, forward, and beautiful.' Its aroma, only medium-intense, suggests plump, dark fruit and cedar. Where the wine shows its stuff is in your mouth: a soft entry, full body, sedate flavors of ripe but fresh fruit, and very soft tannins. You can detect oak in the wine's flavor and also in the structure of the wine, and it forms a spine for the lovely fruit. The wine's top asset is that fruit: the wine is seamless as it caresses your tongue with smooth, silky but not heavy texture and it tastes as if its raw material were simply perfect." To read the full article, click here. Score: 92 point This is Bordeaux like with crystallized blackberry and currant fruits joined by notes of blond tobacco, turmeric, gun powder and green peppercorns. This is big and rich, broad across the palate yet with nice cut. The flavors lean a bit towards the red fruit end of the spectrum with notes of red apple peels and red currants on the mid-palate that are joined by green spice tones and spicy oak notes that lead to a moderate finish full of black raspberry and jammy black plum. Again the tannins are very well managed and polished. This needs another year or two to fully integrate but should be excellent from 2012-2020. Score: 92 point 2006 Ciel du Cheval, Red Mountain, Vintage Red Wine"Bright and generous in flavor, while keeping the structure elegant. This weaves a green note through the ripe, appealing blackberry and black currant flavors, lingering expressively on the long finish." Score: 92 point 2005 Ciel du Cheval, Red Mountain, Vintage Red WineDeftly balances its pretty raspberry and plum flavors, with hints of smoke and cedar-but only hints-and just enough tannins and acidity to keep this fresh and lively. Impressive for its elegance and length, without apparent weight. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2009 through 2017. Score: 92 points 2004 Ciel du Cheval, Red Mountain, Vintage Red Wine...Purple-colored, it offers an array of aromas including pain grille, pencil lead, truffle, licorice and blackberry. Its medium-bodied personality features layers of sweet, ripe dark fruits, soft tannins, excellent delineation, and outstanding length. Give this serious effort 3-4 years in the cellar and drink it through 2030. Score: 93 points This classic Bordeaux bland comes from the legendary Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Seven Hills picks earlier than virtually anyone else, in keeping with their commitment to making balanced, elegant table wines, and this wine is still locked up tight upon release. Knowing the vineyard, I look for and find the metallic minerality unerpinning the the tart, austere fruit. But there are also surprising high notes of brandied cherries, and a sene of depth missing in more ordinary wines. This is definitely a wine to cellar for up to a decade. As always, this is sensitive detailed winemaking. Score: 90 points A firm earthy style with a gamey edge to the dense blackberry and currant fruit. Has depth and a distinctive range of flavors, ending on a floral note. Needs cellaring. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2008. $30 | 768 cases made. Score: 91 points 2003 Ciel du Cheval, Red Mountain, Vintage Red WineMany wineries work with spectacular grapes grown at Ciel on Red Mountain, but Seven Hills uses it to craft a deceptively light and airy wine, that promotes elegance and grace over sheer power. Let this wine breathe-decanting would be a good idea-and it fills our into a classic show of tart black cherry, plum and cranberry fruit, along with gravelly stone. Deceptively concentrated, supple and tart with finishing whiffs of sandalwood and cinnamon. A fine display of sensitive, detailed winemaking. Score: 91 point A deceptively light and airy wine that promotes elegance and grace over sheer power . Let it breathe - decanting would be a good idea - and it fills out into a classic display of tart black cherry and saccis fruit and gravelly stone, concentrated but still supple. "Best of Washington" Pentad, Vintage Red Wine2006 Pentad"To make this wine, the winery vinifies six different grapes and chooses the best five wines (hence ‘Pentad’), which means that the blend of grapes changes from year to year. It’s always based on Cabernet Sauvignon, and in 2006 that grape represents 65% of the final blend. Unusually in 2006, however, the wine contains no Merlot, and does have 7% Cabernet Franc (along with 7% each of Carmenère and Malbec and 14% Petit Verdot). It’s a wonderfully graceful, finessed wine with fairly delicate aromas and flavors of dark fruits, cedar, mint and eucalyptus. Harmony is the name of the game here more than power. Food-friendliness goes with the territory. A beauty." 91 Points "Dark, bold, and full-bodied, this is the perfect embodiment of power and breed in a full-on (five grape) Bordeaux blend. Boysenberry, cassis, plenty of acidity—the nose promises a great deal, though it is reticent in the mouth, and fairly acidic. This is a wine to lay down and enjoy in a decade." 93 Points, Cellar Selection 2005 Pentad, Vintage Red Wine, Walla Walla ValleyFeatured as a pairing in "Seven Hills at Napa Cafe" ""Bison tenderloin & Bison short rib "shepard's pie" with truffled demi glace paired with Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Seven Hills Vineyard & Seven Hills Pentad 2005." Excerpt from Some American gems "...there were many fine Cabernets, Bordeaux blends and Syrahs - from Washington..." "Black fruit and some redcurrant on the palate, then a very juicy red cherry burst, like the liquid centre of a sweet." Gift Recommendations for the Red Wine Lover "This Washington state wine is 55 percent cabernet sauvignon, 18 percent petit verdot, 9 percent each of merlot, carmenere and malbec. It is a delicious wine that exhibits some very intriguing sensual elements. The winemaker uses 50 percent new French oak to fashion a wine with a cherry, cassis and herbal nose, and wonderful flavors of cherries and a hint of violets in the mouth. This complex wine is refreshingly different." Tastes of blueberries and dried fruit up front. That sweetness is tamed with tartness, smoke and leather in the long, lovely finish. Lithe and distinctive, with a tarry edge to the bright cherry and spice flavors, finishing with a refreshingly open texture and lively acidity to balance the flavors. Score: 90 points Chosen in the article The Top 100 Wines of Washington State. Subtle and soft, this aromatic Bordeaux blend (54% Cab Sauv, 9% Carmenere, 9% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 18% Petit Verdot) is laced with herb and exotic savory spices, woven through tight fruit flavors of blueberry and musky grape. This is a delicate, evocative and challenging wine that rewards your attention. Fascinating and complex, it needs time to breathe and good glassware to really open up. Score: 91 points Score: 91 points 2003 Pentad, Vintage Red Wine, Walla Walla ValleyThe proprietary 2003 Pentad was aged for 23 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque purple in color, it offers a brooding, slightly muted nose of spicy oak, tobacco, leather, earth, black currants, and blackberry liqueur. Mouth filling and super-rich, this layered wine is smoothly textured, balanced, and very long. Score: 92 points Cabernet Sauvingon2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Klipsun Vineyard, Red Mountain"This 100% Cabernet, from the iconic Klipsun vineyard, has been sourced from the original 1989 planting since the first crop, making Seven Hills Klipsun's longest standing customer. This offers deep cassis, mineral, and earth flavors, powerful and dense. The Seven Hills style, ordinarily restrained and elegant, suits this vineyard especially well, as it reins in the tendency of Klipsun fruit to go over the top, and become too tannic. This is muscular and deep, but proportionate and detailed." 93 Points, Editor's Choice 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Klipsun Vineyard, Red MountainDense, powerful and profuse with its ripe cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and herb aromas and flavors, persisting impressively on the long, expressive finish. Best from 2012 through 2020. Score: 92 points "Only 350 cases were made of this tasty Cabernet, which has aromas of red fruit and spices. It has bright flavors of cranberries and other red fruits, with notes of peppery spice and a firm tannic structure. This wine should do well with 5-10 years of aging." Score: 89 points "Near-perfect aroma of herbs, red currants, and traces of tea and mint. Classic entry, dry and food-friendly, with perfect handling of tannins and alcohol of only 13.2%! More about this project in an upcoming article." "Exceptional" This has very distinctive and stylish notes of cool fruit on the nose. While less herbal than the Seven Hills Cabernet this shares some of that wine's black fruit tones with added layers of leather, fennel, and sweetly spiced oak tones. In the mouth this is supported as much by it's fine acid spine as the crisp tannins. This is still a bit tight and short at this point but with promising dusty, black fruit and spice tones that handle to oak well. Score: 91 points 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Hills Vineyard"A seductive nose, densely loaded with black currants and smoke, leads into a textural, single-vineyard, 100% Cabernet with great varietal presence and definition. It needs to breathe open, which puts on more flesh, and starts to unpack the layers. Streaks of mineral, iron, graphite and more cassis roll into the finish." 91 Points 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley"Top Ten Brunch Wines" "This intense dark-red cab from Washington state has great varietal character and a round profile, with notes of clove and nutmeg. A polished, complex palate of red and black fruits, almond, licorice and spice leads into a bright, lengthy finish." "Well defined, with a grainy edge to the meaty cherry and savory herb flavors, lingering on the supple finish." Score: 90 points "This intense dark-red cab from Washington state has a great varietal character and a round profile, with notes of clove and nutmeg. A polished, complex palate of red and black fruits, almond, licorice and spice leads to a bright, lengthy finish." Noted as a top 10 brunch wine Featured as a pairing in "Seven Hills at Napa Cafe" "Bison tenderloin & Bison short rib 'shepard's pie' with truffled demi glace paired with Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Seven Hills Vineyard & Seven Hills Pentad 2005." "This classic wine delivers nuances of dried and fresh herbs with a mix of subtle cherry / berry scents that you won't find in many wines anymore. Only 13.5% alcohol with a near-perfect reaction to aeration." "Exceptional" "This wine has aromas of toasty oak, plum, black pepper and red and black fruit. It shows bright flavors of red and black fruits, along with notes of black licorice and spice. Balanced, with good acidity." Score: 90 points This is spicy and complex on the nose with hints of toast, white pepper, and herbs adding complexity to the blackberry toned fruit. In the mouth there is excellent freshness but also a fairly prominent herbal component to accompany that freshness. The tannins are very fine giving the wine a fairly silky feel already and the black currant and blackberry leaf tones are classic cabernet. This is really drinkable with a sneaky, candied blueberry finish. Score: 89 points "This very dark purple colored Cab from Washington opens with a spicy red raspberry bouquet with notes of pepper and tobacco. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and easy to drink. The flavor profile is a smoky red raspberry with notes of old oak and a dash of pepper. The finish is dry and its mild tannins are gentle. The panel would pair this easy going Cab with pecan crusted salmon or eggplant parmigiana. Enjoy." Score: 88 points 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla ValleyIn its minty, rosemary notes and generous cassis fruit, this wine is pure cabernet, the kind of elegant, elemental wine Washington does best. A bit of old school, but refreshingly so, with aromas of pine and eucalyptus, and flavors of cassis and black cherry supported by the pencil-lead tannins. Its energy and drive suggest a long cellar life. Score: 93 points Poised, focused and brimming with ripe cherry, currant, orange peel, grill smoke and sage flavors, lingering charmingly as the finish sails on and on against fine-grained tannins. This has the balance and depth to go the distance. Score: 92 points Score: 89 points 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, RESERVE, Red MountainExcerpt from A Stylistic Dilemma "The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is only the sixth Reserve bottling for the winery in 18 vintages, and the first since 2001. It is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon with 10% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Just smelling the wine shows you what depth and intensity it has; the aroma is tight and contained, with mineral notes such as lead pencil emerging first and fresh, dark-berry fruit only afterwards. In your mouth the wine is fruitier than the Ciel du Cheval -- sporting splendid bright, fresh, concentrated dark fruit flavors along with unmistakable mineral notes -- but it is also lean and taut in structure. Its oak is still a bit noticeable but I expect that in time it will integrate nicely with the ripe, concentrated fruit. This is a quietly powerful wine." To read the full article, click here Score: 92 points "A very impressive, extremely harmonious Cabernet, marked by just about everything you could want from an American expression of this varietal. There's ripe, sweet fruit, of course, but also underlying echoes of chocolate, coffee, toast, and more. The smell and taste of oak stays very much in the background, and the wine's firm but unobtrusive tannins provide an appropriate structure. Exciting stuff!" Score: 92 points Bright, focused currant and blackberry flavors play against a bed of fine tannins and deft hints of roasted meat and spice as the flavors sail over an open, refined frame. Score: 90 points 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley"Still young, steely and firm, but classy and deep. This has the best attributes of the ’05 and ’06 Columbia Valley Cabs from Seven Hills—ripe and polished black fruits, firm tannins, a supple finish with a veneer of smoke and licorice. In other words, this is a complete, complex and intriguing Bordeaux blend, with plenty of aging potential." 91 Points, Cellar Selection 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley"Crisp and focused, with pretty raspberry and currant fruit, shaded with hints of roasted game and coffee as the finish lingers against fine tannins. Drink now through 2013." Score: 88 Point 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Klipsun Vineyard, Red MountainBright, lively and impeccably balanced, delivering its pretty strawberry, currant and delicate herbal flavors on a deft frame of fine tannins and lacy acidity. Score: 90 point Score: 88 point 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Klipsun Vineyard, Red MountainRipe and resonant with minty, cedary cherry, plum and currant flavors, finishing rich and beautifully integrated, the tannins polished and the flavors sailing on nicely Best from 2008 through 2013. Score: 91 point 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley76% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Carmenere, Malbec, and Petit Verdot aged one-third in new French oak. The nose reveals aroma of pain grill?, scorched earth and spicy black currants. This is followed by a medium-bodied wine with a forward core of ripe black fruits and soft tannins. This balanced Cabernet can be enjoyed through 2020. Score: 90 point 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla ValleyRipe and resonant with minty, cedary cherry, plum and currant flavors, finishing rich and beautifully integrated, the tannins polished and the flavors sailing on nicely Best from 2008 through 2013. Score: 92 point Merlot2008 Merlot, Columbia Valley"Penetrating aromatically, spicy and complex, this brings in sharp berry scents, baking chocolate and a streak of herb. It’s tight and vertically structured, and once in the mouth it turns a bit hard and unyielding. But it lingers and resonates, improves after being open for several hours, and can be cellared for up to a decade." 91 Points, Editor's Choice 2007 Merlot, Columbia Valley"Top Ten Value Wines" "Fruit for this Merlot was selected from several vineyards within Washington’s Columbia Valley. This 2007 vintage entices with aromas of ripe plum, blackberry and sweet oak tones of spiced toffee. The wine also exhibits gentle structure with brightness and a dry finish." Good "Fruit for this Merlot was selected from several vineyards within Washington's Columbia Valley. This 2007 vintage entices with aromas of ripe plumb, blackberry, and sweet oak tones of spiced toffee. The wine also exhibits gentle structure with brightness and a dry finish." Noted as a top 10 value wine. Score: 14/20 points "Blackberry and spicy-sweet oak aromas give way to blackberry fruit flavor, accented by touches of vanilla. the wine's tannins are fairly soft, and its texture is nice and silky." Score: 87 point "Soft, open-textured and brimming with cherry, coffee and pain grilled aromas and flavored, lingering nicely on the deftly balanced finish." "Very good" "The wine sports a plummy cherry color with a dash of cinnamon overlaying the fruit fragrance. Black cherry on the palate with touches of cocoa. Velvety mouthfeel. Serve with Chinese duck, roast pork loin with cherry glaze." "A substantial Merlot, with bright red berry and cherry fruit enhanced by an attractive green, slightly herbal note (due perhaps to the inclusion of a small dollop of Cabernet Franc), this wine delivers considerable pleasure at a fair price. It's clearly better than many, indeed most, west coast Cabernets costing less than $30, so don't make the mistake of assuming that Merlot has to play second fiddle." Score: 90 points "Very nice and restrained on the nose with complex gravel, earth and ash soil tones balanced by perfumy floral and tobacco notes. There is a touch of woody sweetness as well as hints of cocoa and licorice but in an elegant and balanced whole. In the mouth this is lean and transparent with a natural feel to the slightly fudgy toned dark berry fruit. The aromas of oak gain a certain prominence in the mouth though they relinquish control to sweet wild berry and candied plum tones on the moderately long finish which ends with a touch of mint. A merlot to please almost any palate." Score: 88 points Chosen in Top Washington Wine Picks for 2009 #87 "Lovely balance and elegant palate weight are among the most attractive aspects of this 13.5 alcohol merlot from Washington's Columbia Valley, where Merlot seems to thrive. What this wine lacks in power it makes up for in purity of fruit expression and food-friendliness. It shows pretty plum and red currant aromas, with hints of spice and firm acidity. Good value at or around $20 a bottle." Score: 89 points 2007 Merlot, Seven Hills VineyardExcerpt from "Washington and Oregon treasures" "Dark, intense and rich. Then subtle on the palate. Excellent depth. Smooth, well mannered and long. Not shouting but talking quietly." Score: 17 points (out of 20): Superior "Aromas of blackberry, cherry and spice, this wine has flavors of blackberries, vanilla and spice. It has good tannic structure and just enough acidity for balance." Score: 88 points "Smooth, with spicy, floral overtones to the solid currant and blackberry flavors, lingering easily. drink now through 2013. 465 cases made." Very Good Selected as "Wine Pick to accompany pearl onion and celery stuffing with juniper and garlic." "Dark cherry and forest-floor notes resonate with juniper in the pearl onion stuffing." Recommended November 26, 2009 2006 Merlot, Seven Hills VineyardFeatured as a pairing in "Seven Hills at Napa Cafe" "Dark chocolate pate with fresh raspberries paired with Seven Hills Merlot 2006 Seven Hills Vineyard." "Smooth and round, with an orange peel edge to the spicy black cherry flavors, finishing polished and generous." Score: 90 points "A very distinctive style of merlot with a cherry, berry, herbal nose with a lovely berry, herb and spice flavors. Very complex and appealing." 2006 Merlot, Columbia Valley"Made from grapes grown in the Walla Walla, Red Mountain and Yakima Valley regions, this medium-bodied Merlot has aromas of of blackberry, plum and spice, along with a subtle herbal note. Easy to drink, but with some nice structure to keep the wine from being too soft. Bonus: the alcohol level is only $13.5%." Score: 90 points 2005 Merlot, Seven Hills VineyardScore: 90 points 2004 Merlot, Columbia Valley"The grapes come from Cold Creek, Canoe Ridge, DuBrul and Artz vineyards - a very fine group indeed. There's no slip in quality here, just a bit of added richness and darker fruits than in the previous vintage. Blackberry puree laced with coffee liqueur dominates this open, accessible, and thoroughly enjoyable wine. Nicely balanced and showing its youthful freshness in a clean and softly seductive style. -PG." Score: 89 points 2003 Merlot, Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley"Composed of 83 % Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc and aged in 35% new French oak, this dark ruby-colored wine emits a complex bouquet of spice box, menthol, cassis, and cherry. Velvety on the palate, it delivers oodles of sweet fruit, superior depth and outstanding length. This hedonistic Merlot can be enjoyed now through 2020." Score: 92 points 2000 Merlot, Reserve, Columbia Valley"Ripe and generous, nicely balanced to keep everything crisp, offering plenty of plum and currant flavors, which echo nicely on the fine-grained finish. Drink now through 2006." Score: 90 points "Firm, tense and grounded. Yet, even so, it's hard not to compare this young wine's aromas and flavors to a dark, chewy, chocolate cake - the burnt edges and cocoa tannins, the dark raspberry filling inside. Let the fruit evolve for a few years, let it eat some of the tannin and it should take on a more complex expression." Score: 90 points Malbec2007 Malbec, Walla Walla ValleyBest Buy 90 points "This pure Malbec is a blueberry pie wine right down to its bones, with refreshing acidity and some steely tannins right behind. It also has a lovely floral note that comes out strongly with some hours of breathing." 90 Points 2006 Malbec, Walla Walla ValleyExcerpts from Washington is Making Malbec Worthy of Note "The first malbec vines went into the ground in Walla Walla in the late 1990s. Seven Hills Winery began producing varietal malbec in 2001, and with each new vintage, more wineries join the list." "Here are recommended malbecs ... Seven Hills (2006 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley)." "Winemaker Casey McClellan's 2006 Malbec trips your taste buds with a bright fruit presence. Hints of blueberry, passion fruit, and spice straddle the nicely balanced, well-crafted red wine. Although ready for drinking now, the wine could easily be cellared for a few more years - assuming you can keep your hands off it for that long. Distributed by New Glarus-based Select Sellars, McClellan's Malbec is one of seven wines now available in Wisconsin from Seven Hills Winery in eastern Washington's Walla Walla Valley. Each is a welcome addition to Wisconsin's growing wine cellar." "...it rolls over the tongue and explodes on the palate sensuously..." OUTSTANDING! Score: 90 points Score: 91 points 2005 Malbec, Walla Walla Valley"A blend from three sites including some estate fruit, this 100% Malbec from young vines was aged in Hungarian oak. Dark ruby-colored, it offers a delightfully exotic perfume of spice box, leather, clove, crushed violets, and wild raspberries. Supple on the palate, this medium-bodied effort has excellent balance and a 45+ second finish." Score: 92 points Carmenere2006 Carmenere, Walla Walla ValleyOUTSTANDING! "...This is immaculate, with hints of dried herb under wild berry fruit..." "Generous, open-textured and distinctive for its warm, enveloping range of plum, blueberry and toast flavors, remaining supple through the expansive finish." Score: 91 points Syrah2005 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley"Initial scents of cassis and dried, spiced meat give way to black cherry flavor, accented by black pepper notes. Its chewy texture and sweet spice call for barbecue." Score: 89 points "Smooth and round. Bubbles over with juicy black currant, plum and spice flavors, hinting at mineral as the finish persists. Drink now through 2012." -H.S. Score: 90 points "Weighty and meaty aromas offer intriguing combinations of black pepper and lavender, plum and cola, and even blueberryand earth. These notes also appear on the lush palate, along with accents of peach, stem, and green tea. Laid back, plush tannins and grapey, bright acidity combine to create a youthful yet substantial character. All in all, this is a complex and highly satisfying Syrah. Serve with rosemary and garlic leg of lamb." 2004 Syrah, Walla Walla Valley**Editor's Choice** "This is a spendid Walla Walla Syrah, co-fermented with Viognier from the Dwelley Vineyard. Penetrating and complex, its aromas border on the exotic, and there is so much going on in the nose that you almost forget to taste it! It captures the unique lifted, citrus and spice flavors of great Washington Syrah, adding in tangy cinnamon and spiced plum though a long silky finish." -P.G. Score: 92 points Petit Verdot2007 Petit Verdot, McClellan Estate Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley"The grape's floral component plays against its dense and inky tannins, making this a complete and relatively soft version of pure Petit Verdot. It fills in the usual midpalate hole with juicy fruit and softened tannins. It glides—not a word usually found with this as a varietal—into a silky, fruity, sweetly floral finish." 91 Points, Editor's Choice 2006 Petit Verdot, McClellan Estate Vineyard, Walla Walla Valley"Distinctly earthy, with the loamy, spicy character more prominent than the tight core of black currant fruit. Best after 2009." Score: 87 points OUTSTANDING! Tempranillo2007 Tempranillo, Columbia Valley"Smoky and savory, with sharp acidity under black cherry fruit. It's still pulling itself together, but the weight and balance are there, showing hints of tobacco leaf, mint and herb." 89 Points 2006 Tempranillo, Columbia ValleyExcerpt from "Wines of the Year" "Another light bodied red that really took off and saw strong and sustained demand from our customers is Tempranillo, specifically from Seven Hills Winery and owner / winemaker Casey McClellan. Casey is one of our favorite folks in Walla Walla, so it is great news for us to see his wine so well received." Featured as a pairing in "Seven Hills at Napa Cafe" "Duck Confit Tostada paired with Seven Hills Tempranillo 2006." "This producer seems to specialize in making well-priced, well-balanced reds that have richness but are definitely not 'over the top' in any way. this Tempranillo has a lovely, just medium-intense aroma of dark cherry, spice and vanilla, and flavors of cherry, spice, and slight earthiness that are somewhat more intense than the aroma. The wine is closer to medium-bodied than full-bodied, with velvety texture, good concentration of fruit character and a juiciness that seems specific to Tempranillo in the winery's red lineup. It finishes with the impression of ripe fruit. Bottom line this is a fine red that walks the line between European and New World styling and is eminently drinkable with a meal (especially spicy food)." Score: 89 points "Tight and relatively backward, but its aroma is spot-on red currant with traces of roasted nuts and faint hints of roses. The palate is tart with a superb crispness to match with many types of foods." "Exceptional" "Spanish wines have long been known for their food friendliness and great value, so it's no surprise that one of Spain's most prominent grapes, Tempranillo, which does well in Washington is being grown by one of Walla Walla's top wineries, Seven Hills, with strong success. This lighter-bodied red gives aromas of "garrique" - dried herbs, sage, lavender and dust - all those sunny climate aromas that are at home in eastern Washington as well as La Rioja. Pair it with lamb burgers." "...an elegant take on the grape, a good food wine..." 2005 Tempranillo, Columbia Valley"Aged in 100% American oak (like a goodly number of Riojas) this 100% varietal wine exhibits a medium ruby color and a fragrant nose of cedar, spice box, tobacco, and red cherry. This is followed by a medium-bodied wine with spicy, birght red fruits , and an excellent integration of oak, tannin, and acidity. The lengthy, pure finish suggests that this excellent Tempranillo will drink well for up to a decade." Score: 89 points 2003 Tempranillo, Columbia Valley"- Here's a rarity - pure Walla Walla Tempranillo - dark and gamey and exotic. It instantly fascinates you from the first sniff. What a truly beguiling blend of roasted meats, vanilla, licorice, clove and black cherry." Score 89 points Riesling2009 Riesling, Columbia ValleyBest Buy 91 points "Lush aromas of very ripe stone fruits of summer – peaches and nectarines along with a floral/herbal touch. Deliciously balanced on the palate between a lightly sweet, fruity wine and a crisp, clean finish. The fruit lingers on the palate with that bit of sweetness. Delicious, perfect summer wine." 2008 Riesling, Columbia Valley"Light and fragrant, with pretty pear, floral and lemon zest aromas and flavors, lingering easily." Score: 89 points Excerpt from "Three Bargains" "An attractive Washington state refresher." Featured as a pairing in "Seven Hills at Napa Cafe" "Seared Scallops with brown butter, granny smith paired with Seven Hills Riesling 2008." "The food was fantastic and the wines paired so well. I was especially pleased with how well thought out the pairings were. The scallop dish was lacking some acidity when tasted on its own. But when tasted with the riesling it all made sense. the wine gave that acidity that the dish needed. Delicious." Excerpt from "Washington Is On A Roll With The Sweet Stuff" "...the Seven hills Riesling, Columbia Valley tastes more melon-y." Seven Hills Riesling & Some Roman Style Gnocchi "This racy, bright Riesling is a blend from Evergreen, Willard & Snipes Vineyards. At 11% alcohol is light, lithe & refreshing on the palate. Its crisp & clean with electric acidity that was perfect as an aperitif." To read full article, click here. "The aromas here are nice and pure with notes of green apple skins and almost steely minerality. With air notes of greengage plum, ivy, and apricots start to emerge. The off-dry tones of grapey fruit are supported by fine acids, which support the rich, almost figgy fruit giving this excellent balance, though I would like to have seen more freshness to the flavors. Even though this is noticeably sweet it does finish with excellent tension, length and balance. Great Value." Score: 89 points "Honeyed apple flavors will appeal to those who prefer wines on the sweeter side. Also has a nice match for sugary dishes such as sweet potatoes." "But we're talking turkey specifically - and it is the Seven Hills Winery 2008 Riesling, Columbia Valley, that's a hit-the-spot choice for the big feast...It will please the sweet drinkers because it is off-dry. And it also has a crisp mineral edge that shows why food-friendly Riesling is finding its way onto an increasing number of restaurant wine lists." "'Succulent' best describes this fruit bowl of a wine. Its flavors are rich and ripe, but the wine never seems heavy or excessive, due in large measure to its crisp, refreshing acidity. Though not as complex as some renditions of this varietal on the market, few wines can top it for sheer pleasure." Score: 89 points "With floral aromas of apple, citrus and mineral, this pretty screwcapped Riesling has fresh apple and citrus flavors. It has just a touch of sweetness, balanced nicely by the wine's acidity. The wine weighs in at just 12% alcohol, so you can enjoy another glass without pushing yourself over the edge." Score: 89 points 2007 Riesling, Columbia Valley"The combination of delicate shellfish with fiery Cajun seasonings is challenging. It can clobber subtle whites you would normally pair with fish. But fruity Riesling can both pair with the fish and handle the heat". 2006 Riesling, Columbia ValleyFeatured in "Giving Riesling a Go". To read the article, click here. 2005 Riesling, Columbia ValleyRiesling Rising Our belief in and your enjoyment of this noble varietal has helped keep the promise of Washington Riesling alive. As Patrick Comiskey recently published in an article for the Los Angeles Times, "Washington's potential for great Rieslings has been hiding in plain sight for decades." Riesling is enjoying a renaissance nationwide as word spreads of it's versatility with food and wide range of flavor. We are pleased our 2005 Riesling, Columbia Valley is recognized as one of the best. Mr.Comiskey's review of Seven Hills follows: "Warm aromas of peach blossom meld with golden apple scents. There's a finely rendered sweetness on the palate, the fruit a cross between ripe apple and dry peach; a fresh, nicely delineated acidity gives contour." | Back to Top |Pinot Gris2009 Pinot Gris, Oregon89 points "Pale, straw color with ripe apple aromas, a bit of herb and just barely a touch of vanilla from the oak. A dry wine, but with a touch of sweetness on the palate. A nicely pleasant wine to just sip during a warm summer day. Would also be fine with an entree salad." 2008 Pinot Gris, Oregon"Elegant and fragrant, frizzy with focused peach, melon and citrus aromas and flavors, persisting on the lively finish." Score: 89 points Excerpt from "Pot sticker wine pairings: Tasting of white wine and dumplings marks the Year of the Tiger." "..This Oregon white has a clean, clear profile with notes of white flowers, pears and stone. The wine's high acidity paired well with the salty sweetness of the pork filling." Score: 2 stars out of 4 stars: Good "Brisk and juicy with tangy fruit and bright citrus and peach; clean, long and smooth." Score: 89 points "Exotic and exhilarating, a flood of fresh citrus fruit including lemon and grapefruit combine with a splash of traditional pear and honeydew melon flavors. The moderate acids make this a versatile and food-friendly wine." "Best Buy" Review scheduled to be in the January issue. Score: 89 points. "Pork is a red meat that drinks beautifully with white wine. Often, I choose Riesling, but in this case, with that creamy polenta on the plate, I need something with a little more roundness and heft. As always, I can't say enough about Pinot Gris from Oregon. Seven Hills Winery's Pinot Gris, Oregon brings the well-rounded body I'm looking for, with pear and citrus notes that will mesh well with the apricots in the pork tenderloin." "This is quite intense on the nose with a golden toned, fruit driven nose that is edged in candle wax and mineral tones. The mouthfeel is rich, with lots of ripe orchard fruits and fine acids. It’s a touch milky on the mid-palate with a light creamy, vanilla tone to the fruit that leads to a long, zesty finish with hints of toast, honey and hazelnut. A lovely wine that should improve for a year or two and be at it’s best from 2010 to 2012." Snooth.com - December 2, 2009 Score: 88 points "Here's a simple, zingy Pinot Gris, made in crisp style. It has aromas of grapefruit/citrus, along with fresh flavors of tart green apples. Although part of the wine -- 10% -- comes into contact with oak barrels, it's not evident in the wine. Try it with oysters." Score: 87 points "If you prefer a drier white, then strut yourself out to buy a bottle of Seven Hills Winery 2008 Pinot Gris, Oregon...You'll discover both ripe fruit and bright acidity. A better back-drop for Thanksgiving would be hard to find." 2007 Pinot Gris, Oregon"Nice, fruity, peach nose with hints of hay. In the mouth, pear, citrus, fruit flavors make a very nice, quaffable drink." "With all the focus on Pinot Noir in Oregon, people sometimes overlook the state's other tasty Pinot: Gris. This one has a golden straw color, with melon and apple-pear aromas. It's a pretty, nicely rounded wine, with fresh pear-citrus flavors and lively acidity. Yum." Score: 90 points 2004 Pinot Gris, Oregon"Elegant and spicy, with a lively lift to the citrus and pear flavors. Nicely balanced with crisp acids." Viognier2009 Viognier, Talcott Vineyard"A charming wine from Washington's Columbia Valley, with a buttery, floral nose and a crisp yet voluptuous flavor. Think mango and apricot spritzed with lime. Serve with grilled pork chops and mango salsa, salmon with orange salsa. $20" To read full review, please click here. 90 points 2008 Viognier, Columbia ValleyFeatured as a pairing in "Seven Hills at Napa Cafe" "Roasted fresh figs stuffed with local goats cheese & orange blossom honey paired with Seven Hills Talcott Vineyard Viognier 2008." Excerpt from "Valentine's Day Tips: Wine" "'White wines are also a romantic addition that go well with French cheeses, light seafoods or even sushi,' wine blogger Catie McIntyre Walker noted. She recommended Viognier, a white wine that is available at... and Seven Hills wineries." "Even though Viognier is a pretty aromatic variety, it does work well with oak. Rich, viscous layers of ripe but bright fruit - creamy peach, apricot and tangerine. Spicy oak notes add complexity." "This subtly oaked Viognier has a medium straw color, along with aromas of honey and vanilla. The wine doesn't undergo malolactic fermentation, so it retains some of the crispness amid the soft, round flavors of peaches, vanilla, and spicy oak." Score: 87 points Score: 90 points Score: 90 points 2006 Viognier, Columbia Valley"A pleasing rush of peaches, apricots, orange peel and lime greets the palate, as you first taste this Viognier from the Milbrandt Vineyards in Washington's hot climate Wahluke Slope AVA. This wine has been deftly handled, accenting the lushness of the fruit, minimizing the phenolics, and giving weight and nuance to the midpalate. There's a hint of honey and toast as well, and the 14.2% alcohol feels just right." Score 90 points 2004 Viognier, Columbia Valley"Classic Viognier - a ripe, generous style with wonderful blood orange, apricot and exotic flavors on an ample, well-rounded frame." Score 89 points |