Buried Cane 2013 Heartwood Red Wine, Columbia Valley, $25

The Middleton family owns two brands in their native Washington state, and it would seem to be a bit improper to refer to Buried Cane as a second label for Cadaretta. This GSM-style blend serves as the latest example of work that Brian Rudin passed along to Kendall Mix, who stitched this together so deliciously. The growth of Grenache (24%) plantings in the Columbia Valley allows for it to take a larger role behind the Syrah (37%), supported by Mourvedre (19%), Cinsault (13%), Counoise (5%) and Viognier (2%). That combination and 26 months in small oak barrels make for a fresh and fruity nose reminiscent of Bing cherry, raspberry and blueberry with milk chocolate, caramel, toast and espresso beans. It’s a bright and approachable yet complex drink. Mild tannins and boysenberry acidity allows for flavors of cherries and blueberries with sweet red bell pepper on the midpalate and vine-ripened cherry tomato in the finish. Enjoy with lasagna. Production of Heartwood has tripled since the 2011 vintage, yet the price has held steady in the downtown Walla Walla tasting room.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 758 cases

Alcohol: 15.1%

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