2022 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Merlot

Happy Sunday!  It's been a relaxing day, so I've decided to open a bottle of wine from one of my all-time favorite Walla Walla producers.  The 2022 Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Merlot is a classic Merlot from a region of the country with acute expertise in producing Bordeaux varietals, so let's see what this wine has to offer!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a nice Merlot.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of classic leather, oak and gentle floral notes that will have you anxious to take a sip.  That first sip is a rush of ripe fruit, blackberry, cherry and plum that wash over your palate before transitioning to some wonderful earthy notes of dusty limestone and black pepper spice.  The tannins are somewhat subdued, but still supportive of the long, smooth dry finish that will have you easing back into your easy chair. 

Overall,. I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's just a perennial favorite Merlot that really treats this varietal with the respect it deserves.  This wine could be enjoyed as an easy sipping wine with friends or family, but it would also pair well with grilled steak, hearty baked pasta, beef stew or grilled lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a rare grilled bone-in ribeye on a bed of sautéed onions, peppers and mushrooms, grilled broccoli rabe and a big baked potato.  Cheers!

2016 Sodaro Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Well, it's the first Saturday of the new month, which makes this Cellar Saturday, that magical day when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making.  Tonight I've opened a bottle that hasn't been in the cellar very long, but still worthy, the 2016 Sodaro Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Coombsville AVA of Napa Valley.  Let's see how this wine is shaping up!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect from a solid Napa Valley Cabernet.  The nose presents luxurious aromas of leather, green grass, blackberry compote and prune amid undertones of anise and expresso.  The first sip is a rush of tart cherry and black currant that easily gives way to some earthy peat and herbal notes of mint and sage midpalate. The tannins are well integrated for the cool, smooth dry finish that lingers like an old friend.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a very pleasant, classic Napa Valley Cabernet, with depth of character that matches its age.  This wine would pair well with a range of hearty dishes, from steaks and chops to braised short ribs or rack of lamb.  Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared Angus ribeye, wild mushroom farro and steamed sugar snaps.  Cheers!

2020 Col Solare Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

Happy Sunday!  It's been a somewhat relaxing day of doing chores and preparing for classes tomorrow, but now it's time for a nice glass of wine with my Sunday dinner.  Tonight, I've opened a bottle of wine that just arrived from a mystery box at Wines Till Sold Out (and you know how I love surprise wines!).  The 2020 Col Solare Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Quintessence Vineyard (57%), Shaw 32 Vineyard (28.5%) and Col Solare Estate Vineyard (14.5%).  For those who are unaware, Col Solare is a partnership between Marchesi Antinori of Tuscany and Chateau Ste. Michelle of Washington, so let's see how this wine is tasting!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, classic for a Red Mountain Cabernet.  The nose presents aromas of earthy leather and graphite, intermingled with hints of cherry and red currant amid undertones of peppery spice.  The first sip is a remarkable departure from what your nose was expecting, with a rush of tart cherry, blackberry and currant that eases into some oak and dusty limestone midpalate, before heading back to some nice acidity at the finish.  The tannins are well structured for the long, smooth dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a lovely example of the height of Red Mountain Cabernet.  This wine would pair well with a range of winter dishes, from hearty pasta and stews, braised short ribs or hearty mushroom risotto.  Tonight, I am pairing this wine with a classic Sunday dinner of slow cooked pot roast with lots of vegetables and gravy.  Cheers!