Good full red. Pungent yet subdued scents of redcurrant, raspberry, mint, tobacco leaf and herbs. Smooth, subtly sweet and suave in the middle palate, with red fruit and spice flavors accented but not at all overshadowed by tobacco leaf and herbs. This reminded me of a cleaner version of a medium-bodied claret from a lesser Bordeaux appellation. A worthy successor to the very good 2016, which like this wine conveyed an impression of consistent ripeness for a second wine. Very easy to drink, if not especially complex or deep. Finishes with broad, dusty tannins but no hardness.

The 2017 Yakima Valley Red Wine is loaded with pretty red and black berry fruits as well as notes of leafy herbs, charcoal, and dried soil. This charming, medium-bodied effort has plenty to like. This cuvée is 59% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Malbec, all aged 18 months in just 13% new French oak. Drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years.