Seven Hills, Pentad, Walla Walla Valley, Washington, USA, 2021

A five-variety Bordeaux blend, the Pentad 50% new French, 22 months, rich and opulent with some well-placed structure shows this as a wine with a real sense of longevity. Spiced plum notes are lifted by smoky violet, frankincense and clove. The palate offers an intense dark fruit expression with blackberries, wild raspberries and a note of dark chocolate and mint. There is a tart berry character to the wine's acid backbone, which lifts the finish brilliantly.