Red Wine 'Columbia Valley', Top Source 2018

Hazy ruby-violet center with crimson tinges at the rim. The aromatics make an immediate impact, showing off the wine’s 50–70% whole-cluster origins and neutral-oak aging, offering up a true sense of Walla Walla. Wild herbs tinged with smoky Oolong tea intermingle with black olive, wild herbs, and salted game. The Syrah and Grenache here seem to have been set free to run wild, yet both are nicely contained within the harmony of the wine's composure.

Between the purple plums, dark cherry, and peppered black raspberry, you’ll find a sense of crushed stone and citrus peel. Expansive aromatically, nicely contained texturally, with a French-like sauvage character that exemplifies Walla Walla, this wine can really turn heads and activate smiles. Excellent effort. Drink now–2029.