Seven Stones, Standing Rock Meritage, Similkameen Valley, 2011

George Hanson farms 8 hectares of vines in the beautiful Similkameen Valley, often overshadowed by neighbouring Okanagan. This is a blend of the two Cabernets and Merlot, planted in 2000, plus some Petit Verdot and Malbec planted in 2005. It's autumnal and savoury, with notes of cigar box, cedar and dried dark fruits. Showing some age already but it should improve.