It's not unusual to taste a Seven Hills Cab, but here's a slightly different twist from an Oregon winery. Tasting the three Pamplin 2018 Washington reds side-by-side you see a spectrum from a three variety to a two variety to a single variety wine. This is tight, focused, firm and concentrated. Flavors of cherry, cassis, lead pencil and a touch of char are front and center. No new French oak was used; half single use and half neutral barrels, allowing the quality of the defining fruit to be the star. Drink now and through the mid-2030s. 79 cases; 14.2%; $65 (Walla Walla)

https://www.pamplinfamilywinery.com/2018-cabernet-sauvignon-seven-hills-vineyard/

The grapes are from the Double River Vineyard once owned by now defunct Basel Cellars. "We were unable to source Viognier so this is 100% Syrah" writes winemaker John Derthick. Which suggests to me that the almost fetishistic co-fermentation of the two grapes which has taken over the hearts and minds of Walla Walla's Syrah winemakers may be a little over the top. This is pure Syrah – rich and loaded with black fruits, along with notes of coffee, chicory, graphite and baker's chocolate. Without the Viognier there is little citrus and none of the bitter phenolics, just lush and delicious fruit. 356 cases; 14.9%; $28 (Walla Walla Valley)

https://lujonwinecellars.com/product/2020-walla-walla-valley-syrah/

This top tier reserve blends five Bordeaux grapes. Vineyards unknown. This gets 50% new oak and 22 months in barrel, yet the toasty flavors are already integrating into brambly fruits. There's a tangy snap to the raspberry and black cherry flavors, backed with citrusy flavors of orange and lime. The tannins are proportionate and provide a good landing place as the wine winds down. This will need more cellar time to show its best. NOTE: the website still lists the previous vintage. 15%; $85 (Walla Walla)

https://www.sevenhillswinery.com/wines/pentad/