The 2007 Reserve is made up of 56% Pepper Bridge and 44% Seven Hills fruit. The blend is 43% Merlot, 42 Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance equal parts Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot aged for 20 months in 48% new French oak. Toasty oak, Asian spices, earthy minerals, a hint of balsamic, and assorted black fruits are followed by a concentrated, structured, somewhat austere effort that should fill out with some extended cellaring. If that happens, my score will seem conservative.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

The 2006 Reserve is composed of 55% Seven Hills and 45% Pepper Bridge Vineyards. The varietal breakdown is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, with the balance Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. It was aged for 22 months in 48% new French oak. Purple/black in color, it sports an inviting bouquet of sandalwood, tobacco, spice box, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Medium-bodied, savory, and layered, it has excellent volume, intense black fruit flavors, ripe tannin, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Cellar it for 5-7 years and drink it from 2015 to 2031. Tel. (509) 525-6502; www.pepperbridge.com