2017 Seven Hills Vineyard
Tasting Notes
2017 Seven Hills Vineyard has prominent aromatics of cassis, sage, and baking spice mingle with hints of cocoa and minerality reminiscent of a fresh desert rain. The palate of this wine has bright with notes of raspberry and dark chocolate covered cranberry. The subtle spiciness of cigar box hints at refined oak and a wonderful acid/tannin balance leads to a fine-tuned finish.
The Year
2017 started out cold. Three arctic fronts rolled in, the last one bringing with it temperatures dipping to -10 in the coldest areas. Spring continued colder and wetter than normal, which actually benefited the vines by giving them time to repair tissue damage from the winter cold. By the beginning of June, temperatures warmed nicely but never got too hot. There were only a handful of days that flirted with 100 degrees. The first week of August was slated for above 100 degree days but was saved by a haze that kept temperatures at least 10 degrees cooler. Pick times were right on track and resulted in normal crop size. In terms of quality and flavor, 2017 was a very good year indeed.
Viticulture
Entirely estate; Certified Sustainable and Salmon Safe. Founding member of VINEA.
Wine Specifics
Varietals: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot, 11% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot
Vineyards: 100% Seven Hills Vineyard
Awards & Accolades
“The 2017 ‘Seven Hills Vineyard’ red wine combines mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) with smaller parts Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The working pieces here are really great, with rip dark currants that mingle with sagebrush, mocha, tar and blackberry compote on the palate. The flavor density here and range is wonderful, as this beautiful wine is really only starting to show its potential now at the three year mark.”
-Owen Bargreen, 94 points
93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck | Wine Enthusiast
