This is their fifth vintage of merlot (started in 2000, but the ’04 has been sourced from Columbia valley vineyards due to the freeze. The fruit carries blackberry jam into the strong, bourbon-barrel flavors of oak, although it was mostly French, rather than American. The tannins are chewy and the wine has a blocky construction, simple and hard in the mouth.——P.G.(8/1/2007)—— 86

This is a good effort, built upon Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills fruit. It stands in the middle ranks of Walla Walla Merlots, quite similar to many other wines from the valley. New oak dominates the nose, with scents of smoke and char. The fruit is sweet cherry, with a hint of tobacco. ——P.G.(6/1/2006)—— 88

A well-made wine, with good fruit, a nice mix of flavors, and just the right application of toasty, expensive new oak. Balanced and sophisticated; Jean Francois Pellet from Pepper Bridge is the consulting winemaker. ——P.G.(9/1/2003)—— 88