Caprio Cellars, Walla Walla Valley (Washington) 2020

 This harmonious red, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (64%), Merlot (17%) Malbec (17%) and Cabernet Franc, speaks to the potential of Walla Walla Valley.  Ripe black and red fruit notes dance on the palate effortlessly without a trace of heat or heaviness.  Smokey and herbal nuances add a welcome savory counterpoint.  You don’t initially appreciate its power because of its elegance and suaveness.  But then it appears, sneaking up on you, without shouting.  An appealing hint of bitterness in the finish reminds you that it’s not just about the fruit.  Lovely to drink now, its balance suggests a graceful evolution over a decade or more.