By Seven Hills Winery
2022 SHW Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley Merlot

Producer Notes
The Walla Walla Valley has become an oasis for the classic Bordeaux varietal, offering a unique environment that reliably turns out fruit teeming with elegance, structure, and personality. The resulting wines not only demonstrate an intriguing element of discovery but also solidify our beloved home turf as a premier New World appellation for Merlot. This is the oldest production vineyard in the Walla Walla AVA, and our Seven Hills Winery flagship Merlot. We have been making wine from these blocks since 1988.

Vintage
The 2022 season had a late start to the growing season, with bud break beginning around mid-April. April and May continued to be cool and wet. We trended on the lowest Growing Degree Days (GDD) ever recorded. July and August brought warmer weather, moving our GDD closer to the long-term average. The warmer weather continued into September and October, allowing the grapes to ripen to ideal picking times. We picked the first round of Merlot on October 4th and the last pick on October 10th.

Viticulture and Winemaking
100% Merlot from Seven Hills Winery Founding Vineyard. Open-top fermented, aged in 45% new French oak barrels for 20 months. Lightly filtered.

Technical Details
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Appellation: Walla Walla Valley
Alcohol: 14.50%
TA: 5.50 g/L
pH: 3.83
Aging Potential: Drinkable upon release, but will age nicely for 10+ years

Tasting Notes
Medium ruby color leading to pronounced aromas of blackberry compote and black cap raspberries, with underlying notes of new leather, 60% dark chocolate, and earth kissed by the morning dew. A lush but firm mouthfeel with bright acidity, followed by flavors of marionberries and raspberries with hints of cocoa dust, black pepper, and leather that continue to linger on the tongue.

Food Pairing
This wine pairs well with many foods due to its medium body and balanced acidity. Try it with beef bourguignon or New York strip steak. For a non-meat dish, try roast acorn squash filled with wild rice. Or try it with 60% dark chocolate for dessert.
[Information provided by Crimson Wine Group]

Wine: SEVEN HILLS Merlot, Walla Walla Valley ‘Founding Vineyard’ 2022
Score/Rating: 92
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2033
Reviewed By: Jeremy Young
Tasting Notes: Seven Hills’ 2022 Merlot Founding Vineyard from Walla Walla Valley, sourced from the AVA’s oldest producing vineyard, showcases a brilliant medium ruby hue that invites exploration. The nose is rich and layered, offering aromas of ripe boysenberries and black currants, interwoven with hints of worn saddle leather, cacao nibs, and damp forest floor. On the palate, this Merlot delivers a plush, velvety texture balanced by vibrant acidity, unveiling flavors of mulberries and red plums accented by whispers of baking spice, cracked pepper, and a touch of espresso. The finish is lengthy and refined.

Wine: 2022 Seven Hills Winery Merlot Founding Vineyard
Score/Rating: 90
Suggested Drinking Window: 2025 - 2035
Review Date: 07/10/2025
Reviewed By: Virginie Boone
Tasting Notes: Brambly black fruit and cinnamon spice make for an inviting nose in the 2022 Merlot Founding Vineyard, tart on the palate in fresh acidity and dried herb. It's a graceful, medium-bodied wine that should do well on the table. Age 7-10 years.