Basalt Cellars 2013 G • S • M, Columbia Valley, $36

Pharmacist/winemaker Rick Wasem in Clarkston, Wash., shows his knowledge of chemistry with this blend of Grenache (36%) and Mourvèdre (32%) from Gilbert Cellars’ 24K Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope with Syrah not far downstream off Sagemoor’s historic Bacchus Vineyard. Enticing herbal aromas of thyme, California peppercorns and crushed oregano also offer black licorice, raspberry and lime peel. Boldly stated fruit flavors of black cherry and dark raspberry stay well ahead of the mild oak and sandy tannins. Its plush and juicy structure, combined with dusty herbs, make for an extremely rewarding and food-friendly wine that earned a gold medal at the 2015 Tri-Cities Wine Festival. This Lewis-Clark Valley brand is available in Seattle at Pike Place Market’s Quintessential Gourmet, throughout Eastern Washington and in 20 states.