The 2008 Pepper Bridge Vineyard is composed of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Malbec and Petit Verdot aged for 20 months in 48% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it emits an inviting nose of pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, rose petal, and assorted black fruits. Long and complex on the palate, it will offer prime drinking from 2014 to 2023. The new releases from Pepper Bridge continue their tradition of excellence. As usual there are two varietal wines blended from the Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills vineyards, two vineyard designates, and a Reserve which is a selection of the best lots from the two estate vineyards.Tel. (509) 526-6502; www.pepperbridge.com

In a cool year such as 2008, Pepper Bridge fruit gets a bit lean. This is tart and light, strawberry and cherry, amply supported with dried leaf and herb flavors. A streak of vanilla accents the hard tannins.——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 89

The 2007 Pepper Bridge Vineyard is an even bigger, more structured wine. A blend of 48% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Malbec and Petit Verdot, it was aged in 49% new French oak for 20 months. A dense purple in color, it gives up an aromatic array of pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, black currant, and blackberry. It has substantial ripe tannin and will require 4-6 years of cellaring to perform optimally. Its drinking window will extend from 2014 to 2027. Tel. (509) 525-6502; INK"http://www.pepperbridge.com"www.pepperbridge.com

The 2006 Pepper Bridge Vineyard is composed of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Malbec and Petit Verdot aged for 22 months in 51% new French oak. It is a saturated purple color with a brooding bouquet of toasty oak, mineral, espresso, spice box, black cherry and black currant. Medium-bodied, intensely flavored, spicy, and layered, it has enough structure to evolve for 5-7 years and will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2026. Tel. (509) 525-6502; www.pepperbridge.com

The 2005 Pepper Bridge Vineyard is made up of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3% Malbec, and 3% Petit Verdot. It was aged for 22 months in 55% new French oak. Dark ruby-colored, the nose reveals cedar, scorched earth, spice box, cassis, black currants, and mineral. It exhibits a slight austerity that may round out with time in the bottle. The finish is long and pure. Give it 2-3 years and drink it from 2010 to 2018. Tel. (509) 525-6502; www.pepperbridgewinery.com