2016 Buty Beast Wildebeest Columbia Valley Red

The folks at Buty Winery showcase fruit from three prized vineyards Phinny Hill in the Horse Heaven Hills, Conner Lee Vineyard in the Columbia Basin and their own Rockgarden Estate in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater for this remarkable and approachable blend of Left Bank Bordeaux with Cotes du Rhone. Indeed, it's made up of Cabernet Sauvignon (28%), Merlot (16%), Malbec (12%) and Cabernet Franc (10%) with Syrah (24%), Mourvedre (7%) and Grenache (3%). While the barrel program is 100% French oak, only 6% of the wood was new, allowing for a theme of Chukar Cherry and dried currant with herbal notes of lavender and sage. Juicy acidity akin to strawberry and boysenberry makes for a bright approach with well managed tannins.