Happy Saturday! It's been a somewhat relaxing day today, finishing up a few chores and errands before settling in for dinner before the theatre tonight. For this post, I've opened up a bottle of 2021 Seven Hills Pentad, a classic Bordeaux style blend of five grape varietals (hence "Pentad") from the Walla Walla AVA of Washington. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%), Merlot (19%), Petit Verdot (9%), Malbec (9%) and Cabernet Franc (8%), so let's see how this previous vintage is tasting!
The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with an inky center, a testament to the heavy hand of Cabernet Sauvignon on the blend. The nose presents welcoming aromas of leather, cedar and ripe blackberry amid undertones of baking spice. The first sip is a marked departure from the Cabernet heavy expectations, as you are awash in mellow notes of boysenberry and plum, before the heavy hand of Cabernet makes its presence known with a rush of acidity, leather and earthy limestone midpalate. The tannins are up front but well structured, providing for a wonderfully smooth dry finish that lingers into your next sip.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it represents the best of Walla Walla when it comes to blending Bordeaux varietals, and although I think it's drinking well now, it will likely improve with a few years in the cellar. This wine would pair well with hearty meals, pasta, beef stew, braised short ribs or lamb rack, and of course steak. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a cowboy crusted ribeye grilled Pittsburgh rare, oven roasted potatoes and steamed sugar snaps. Cheers!
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