Reformed commodities trader Joshua West recently launched The Elephant Seven Wine Co., with the focus on Rhône varieties grown in the Walla Walla Valley. He sought out for this release Yellow Bird Vineyard, a 1,450-foot elevation site created in the Mill Creek region by Greg and Darlene Chan. West co-fermented these lots — half of them done whole cluster — using Joseph Phelps and clone 174 Syrah with Viognier (6%). And after 17 months in French oak, the aromas hint at dusty blueberry, boysenberry and leather with a slight bit of game. There’s lusciousness to the huckleberry and blueberry flavors, backed by touch of orange pekoe tea and a long delicious finish of blackberry. Restaurants and merchants backing Elephant Seven in Walla Walla include T Maccarone’s, The Marc and The Ox & Cart, while Seattle supports is at Bottlehouse in Madrona, Leschi Market, Ten Mercer and TASTE Cafe at the Seattle Art Museum.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 102 cases
Alcohol: 14.8%
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