Intrinsic, Columbia Valley (Washington) 2016

 This audacious and assured red blend from the Pacific Northwest is dominated by plump plum flavors spiked with hints of chocolate and mint.  Ten percent of the wine was fermented in concrete tanks, with fifty percent of the final blend aged nine months in neutral French oak.  It’s a terrific wine to show off with steak or leg of lamb, or with bold and complex vegetable-oriented dishes such as Eggplant Parmesan.  A blend of 52% Cabernet Franc, 44% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot.