Seven Hills’ 2005 Malbec owes far more to Mendoza than Bordeaux. 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. Drink this quality Malbec now through 2020. I also tasted several outstanding 2005 barrel samples including a sensational Petit Verdot “McClellan Vineyard” which the winery claims will be bottled separately and not blended. As I have mentioned elsewhere in this report, there is immense potential for Petit Verdot in eastern Washington. Tel. (509) 529-7198; www.sevenhillswinery.com