The 2006 Merlot Seven Hills Vineyard is dark ruby-colored with a fragrant nose of cedar, tobacco, cinnamon, clove, and cassis. Firm and structured on the palate, it has just enough sweet fruit for balance. Drink this slightly lean but pleasant Merlot over the next several years.
The venerable Seven Hills Winery continues to do a solid job.
Tel. (509) 529-7128; www.sevenhillswinery.com