Josh and Cheryl West were pursuing successful careers in Houston (he was a commodities trader and she was in non-profit fundraising) when they became consumed by everything wine and food. Josh read numerous books on wine, tasted wines from all over the world, fastidiously took thousands of tasting notes, and built a collection of wine. Josh and Cheryl travelled to wine regions all over the world that included trips to Rioja, Burgundy, the Rhone Valley, Tuscany, Piedmont and almost every AVA in the Western U.S.
Eventually their love of wine prompted the couple to make a major decision to relocate to Walla Walla where they sought full-time roles in the wine industry. Cheryl took a position on the marketing side for Dunham Cellars, and Josh earned his wine degree, building a respectable resume working for Dusted Valley, Cadaretta and the Figgins family.
Early in their relationship, Josh and Cheryl both became fans of musicians whom were a part of Elephant 6, a collective of musicians who started their own label regardless of the spoils of commercial success. In similar spirit, Elephant Seven, or E7, is dedicated to “the craft of making great wine independent of commercial expectations and preconceptions,” says Josh.
Sourcing grapes from premium vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley, their winemaking philosophy emphasizes simplicity.
“Simplicity is not easy. You have to work at it,” explains Josh. “To appreciate something for its simplicity is to fully understand it. Our goal is to do as absolutely little as possible to the wine. We do not use chemical additives, enzymes, color enhancements or any other foreign substances. Through the struggle of keeping things simple, we create something that is genuine, honest, and beautiful.”
The end result is that E7’s wines are anything but simple—loaded with aromatic complexities, they are fluid and energetic.
Editor’s note: The wines are crafted in small lots and may be sold out, so inquire about the latest offerings from this fast-growing rising star of Walla Walla.
Taste: Elephant Seven wines are currently available directly through their website at www.elephantsevenwine.com. You may be able to find them at various restaurants and retailers, too.
Elephant Seven 2014 Yellow Bird Vineyard Syrah, $45
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Dark, brooding and very expressive, with energetic layers of blackberry, plum and violet flavors that race alongside expressions of dried fig, cardamom, forest floor, baker’s chocolate and spice. Charcoal notes are underscored on the savory long finish.
Elephant Seven 2014 River Rock Vineyard Syrah, $35
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Sourced from the The Rocks AVA in the Walla Walla Valley, exciting aromas burst forth of grilled game, olive, blueberry, fig, clove and spice that echo on the rich and savory mouthfeel, joined with undertones of violet and lavender. Complex and earthy, with iron notes that add intrigue to the mouthwatering finish.
Elephant Seven 2014 “First and Mercer” Grenache, $30
Editor’s Choice – Outstanding (91-94 pts.)
Deeply concentrated, there’s gorgeous depth to the purity of fruit that weaves together blueberry, cherry and floral flavors interspersed with cinnamon and cardamom spice. Full bodied, with well-integrated tannins and notes of fresh-cut herbs mingled with a faint peppercorn medley that lingers on the aftertaste.