7. Seven Hills Winery 2013 McClellan Estate Vineyard Malbec, Walla Walla Valley, $30
Fan-trained vines from Casey and Vicky McClellan’s vineyard near Milton-Freewater, Ore., are beginning to mature after being established in 2008, and their barrel regime of 16 months in Hungarian oak creates fascination. Core aromas of blueberry cobbler and President plum are surrounded by violet, duck fat, five-spice powder and a turn of a pepper mill. The silky and juicy entry exudes flavors of Marionberry, fig and more blueberry. There’s a richness and earthiness to the midpalate, which leads to an expressive finish of pomegranate juice and pinch of rosemary.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 784 cases
Alcohol: 14.3%
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