Seven Falls Cellars Launches Single-Vineyard “GPS” Wines

Paterson, WA

Seven Falls Cellars has announced the launch of a new single-vineyard “GPS” tier of wines sourced from the Wahluke Slope appellation in Washington State. Carefully selected from only the finest blocks, these three remarkable wines are now available for purchase at SevenFallsCellars.com. The white wine varietal became available in August 2015, while the red wine varietals launched in October 2015; all for a suggested retail price of $40.

To highlight the unique sense of place where the wines are from, the vineyard block Global Positioning System, or GPS, coordinates are included on each of the Seven Falls single-vineyard labels, so everyone has an opportunity to visit the Wahluke Slope from anywhere in the world. Varietals for the single-vineyard tier will change from year-to-year, hand-selected by esteemed winemaker Doug Gore, to represent the epitome of quality and character from the Wahluke Slope.

“The new Seven Falls single-vineyard tier is exciting because it gives us the opportunity to show off the finest vineyard blocks from the Wahluke Slope that are producing fruit with exceptional quality and flavor,” said Doug Gore, Seven Falls Cellars Winemaker and Executive Vice President of Winemaking, Vineyards and Operations at SMWE. “From a winemaking standpoint, this new tier allows us to experiment in new and unique ways, for example, showcasing less common varietals, exposing the vines to more sunlight which leads to riper fruit, and aging the wines with a more specific barrel program. Through this, we are able to create beautifully balanced whites and seamless red wines with sweet tannins,” Gore said.

Each location where the grapes are sourced brings exceptional focus and character to the wines. The Wahluke Slope is one of Washington State’s warmest sites, with fruit typically ripening earlier than in other locations. The soil in the region is fine sandy loam soil, which means the grapes need careful irrigation to maintain balance. This allows Seven Falls’ winemakers to increase hang time development and stress on the fruit, therefore creating more complexity before the grapes even arrive to the winery.

The three wines releasing in 2015 include:

Seven Falls Cellars 2014 GPS White Blend, Jones Vineyard
Tasting notes: This fragrant Rhone style Marsanne-Rousanne-Viognier blend opens with a nose of fresh peaches, apple blossoms and white flowers and leads to crisp flavors of Asian pear, Meyer lemons and honeyed almonds with a touch of minerality. A silky mouthfeel leads to a bright juicy finish.

Seven Falls Cellars 2013 GPS Cabernet Sauvignon, Stone Tree Vineyard
Tasting notes: This Cabernet Sauvignon has many layers and nuances to it that are going to showcase themselves differently during the life of this wine as it ages. The wine opens with bright concentrated black fruit intermingled with layers of minerality, graphite, leather, tea and tobacco. It has a rich, ripe palate with full, lush tannins.

Seven Falls Cellars 2013 GPS Zinfandel, Jones Vineyard
Tasting notes: This is a very aromatic, fruit-forward wine that just explodes out of your glass with chocolate-covered black raspberries and hints of nutmeg and baking spices. A jammy palate leaves you with a long-lasting finish and includes highlights of Dulce de Leche.

About Seven Falls Cellars:
Seven Falls Cellars is inspired by a series of seven waterfalls that once flowed along the Columbia River through what is now known as the Wahluke Slope appellation. The AVA (American Viticultural Area), which was established in 2005, is one of the hottest and driest sites in Washington State. During the ripening season daytime temperatures can reach triple digits which cultivate intense flavors and ultra-ripe tannins in the grapes. At night temperatures drop as much as 30 degrees which allows the vine to retain natural acidity that perfectly frames the fruit characters.

About Doug Gore:
Doug Gore joined Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in 1982, before becoming Vice President of Winemaking and Vineyards, Doug was Vice President of Winemaking for Columbia Crest. Under Doug’s direction, Columbia Crest became one of America’s most popular wineries. Leading wine critics have recognized Doug for creating wines with a food-friendly, approachable style that capture the true expression of each grape variety vintage to vintage.

# # #

For further information:
Amanda Arrigotti
425-415-3715
amanda.arrigotti@smwe.com