Balboa in Walla Walla is a younger winery, founded in 2003 by winemaker Tom Glase. His career started back in 1998 when he began working at L’Ecole No. 41, one of the most respected wineries in Walla Walla, then moved on to Corliss Estate before launching Balboa Winery. For this bottling of 2012 Red Wine, Tom combines fruit from his Estate Eidolon Vineyard in The Rocks, with Summit View Vineyard. As the name might suggest, Summit View Vineyard is one of the highest planted in Walla Walla, perched just above Seven Hills Vineyard, with panoramic views of the entire valley. In contrast to Eidolon Vineyard in The Rocks, Summit View turns out grapes with are driven by purity of fruit, and when combined, you get the best of both worlds. A blend of 39% Merlot, 25% Syrah, 16% Malbec, 14% Petit Verdot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, it shows delicate balance and captivating depth of flavor. Up front there are beautiful clean fruits of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and juicy purple plums, while hints of licorice, vanilla, and mint play in the background. Digging further down, the earth comes through with suggestions of crushed rocks, sage brush, and dried leaves. Only 430 cases were made.