90 Pts Jay Miller - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2007 Merlot Seven Hills Vineyard gives up scents of pencil lead, mineral, cedar, tobacco, violets, and cassis. Medium-bodied, ripe, and succulent on the palate, it has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. This lengthy effort will be at its best from 2012 to 2022." 90 Points - Jay Miller - Wine Advocate

"Dark, intense and rich. Then subtle on the palate. Excellent depth. Smooth, well mannered and long. Not shouting but talking quietly. (JH)" -17/20, Jancis Robinson's Purple Pages

WINE:
"Vintage 2007 gave us lush wines with a classic structure; soft but with polish and fine grained tannins. This enchanting Merlot is from some of the oldest vines in the Walla Walla Valley; vines we have harvested since 1988. The aroma is of blackberry and hints of licorice, vanilla and sweet spice. Delightful balance with restrained oak opening to abundant blackberry by mouth, with accents of mocha and toffee and a lingering persistent finish. This is a wine to enjoy throughout the course of a meal. This Merlot will age well into the 8–10 year range under proper cellar conditions." -Winery

VINEYARD:
"Located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, in the southeastern corner of Washington, Walla Walla Valley is home to our winery, and our McClellan Estate Vineyard. With roots deep in the community, our longtime relationships with the region's winegrowers ensure us access to the best fruit - from the coveted 'Old Blocks' of Seven Hills Vineyard to such respected sites as Windrow, Minnick and Double River Ranch. Benefiting from a unique temperate microclimate, and deeper, silt-based soils, vineyards in this highly regarded appellation are at the heart of our Bordeaux-varietal program, which consistently produces food-friendly wines notable for their complex structure and graceful sophistication." -Winery

ESTATE:
"Seven Hills Winery is located in the heart of Walla Walla, Washington. Though it has built its reputation quietly, Seven Hills is one of the region’s oldest and most respected wineries. Founder Casey McClellan has played an important role in both the viticultural and winemaking history of the community. As a fourth-generation farmer, Casey worked alongside his father in the early 1980s, planting Walla Walla Valley’s Seven Hills Vineyard. As a winemaker, Casey has guided Seven Hills Winery, creating wines that have emerged as benchmarks for excellence in the Northwest."

"Over the course of two decades, Seven Hills Winery has been part of many firsts for the Walla Walla Valley appellation (AVA). Recognized for its Bordeaux-varietal red wines, Seven Hills has bottled more vineyard-designate Cabernet Sauvignons and Merlots from the AVA than any other winery. At the same time, Seven Hills Winery has helped pioneer the rich diversity of the region, and its potential for producing an array of stellar red and white wines." -Winery

This wine was also scored 87 points by the Wine Spectator.