Introduction
Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Merlot 2016 is a profound wine from one of Washington State’s most revered sites. Seven Hills Winery produced it. The wine originates from the iconic Founding Vineyard. This vineyard is in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. It is celebrated for its loess soils and microclimate. This vintage shows the winery’s legacy of pioneering viticulture. It also shows their deep understanding of Merlot. The wine has exceptional structure, complexity, and age-worthiness. It is a testament to the meticulous care taken from vine to bottle. It truly reflects its prestigious origins.
Character Description
Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Merlot 2016 has a deep, ruby-garnet hue. Its intensely aromatic bouquet has layers of ripe black cherry, plum, and red currant. It is interwoven with nuanced notes of dried herbs, cedar, and tobacco leaf. There is also a subtle hint of graphite. On the palate, it is full-bodied and luxurious. It has concentrated flavors of dark fruit, baking spices, and earthy minerality. Refined, supple tannins and bright acidity balance the wine. This leads to a long and graceful finish. The vintage leaves a lasting impression of power and elegance.
Perfect Pairings
This Merlot is an outstanding companion for many dishes. It complements roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic. It also pairs with pan-seared duck breast or beef short ribs. Its rich fruit and balanced tannins make it an ideal pairing for mushroom dishes. This is especially true for those with porcini or morels. It also pairs well with aged, firm cheeses like mature Cheddar or Gouda. The wine’s depth and complexity make it a superb choice for more contemplative enjoyment. It allows its nuanced layers to unfold with each sip.
About the Winery
Seven Hills Winery was founded in 1988 by Casey McClellan. It holds a significant place in Washington State winemaking. It is one of the earliest wineries in the Walla Walla Valley. They have been instrumental in establishing the region’s reputation for world-class wines. Their philosophy centers on showcasing the unique terroir of their vineyards. This is particularly true for the Founding Vineyard. It has been a cornerstone of their acclaimed Merlot program. The 2016 Founding Vineyard Merlot is a prime example of their commitment to sustainable practices. It shows their meticulous vineyard management and restrained winemaking. The exceptional quality of the fruit shines through. This solidifies their legacy as pioneers of Washington wine.
