Va Piano Vineyards, Walla Walla Valley (Washington) 2018

 Born and raised in Walla Walla, winemaker/owner Justin Wylie started Va Piano in 2003.  A year in Florence encouraged the “va piano” name from an Italian proverb that means go slow and take it one step at a time.  For a wide range of red wines led by Cabernet and Syrah, he relies on grapes from his 20-acres in mid-Walla Walla and the high elevation Octave Vineyard on the Oregon side.  A top-of-the line blend, the 2018 Uniti is 30% Cabernet, 30% Cab Franc, 28% Merlot and 12% Malbec.  Aged in French oak, it has a beautiful dark garnet color and is medium-bodied, built upon a solid Bordeaux-like framework.  There’s a floral component to the black cherry, slightly minty aroma, and the flavors show spice and plum fruit, wrapped in light oak and soft tannins.  Impressive now, cellaring for 4 to 5 years should prove rewarding.  It may be an odd name, but Va Piano bears close watching.