The 2016 Seven Hills Vineyard Merlot starts with complex layers of black raspberry aromas and hints of Chambord, elegant oak spices and purple resinous flowers drizzled with honey. Full-bodied, the palate is richly flavored with a plush density and slight candied note that turns a bit tart on the long-lingering finish with flavors of sweet potpourri and juicy plum reduction. This is an intriguing line. Give it a try. 820 cases.

The 2015 Merlot Seven Hills Vineyard reveals a rich bouquet of currants and creamy new oak. On the palate, it's medium-bodied, with good concentration and depth, balanced by juicy acids and structured by some youthfully chewy tannins that will soften with a few years' bottle age. It's an attractive, somewhat old-fashioned Washington State Merlot.

The 2014 Merlot Seven Hills Vineyard is a rock-solid red from Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. Ample notes of leafy herbs, chocolate, and assorted black fruits all give way to medium-bodied, rounded, yet classically styled wine that can be enjoyed over the coming 4-5 years. While it's less obvious than some of the other cuvees from this estate, this has a balanced, very drinkable style.

Again, surprisingly mid-weight and simple, the 2013 Merlot Seven Hills Vineyard has medium-bodied richness, firm tannin and notes of black cherries, licorice and singed leather. Like a lot of these 2013s, it comes up short on depth, texture and length.

A wine this estate’s been making for the past 25 years, the 2012 Seven Hills Vineyard Merlot is a big, rich, chewy wine that offers ample cherry, currant, licorice and spice to go with a full-bodied, ripe and nicely tannic feel on the palate. Made from 100% Merlot that spent 20 months in 40% new French oak, it’s outstanding, and will have 10-15 years of longevity.