David Givaudan’s 2020 “La Bête” is a seamless 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, and an object lesson in pop and pour pleasure. Give it a few minutes in the fridge to bring it down to 60 degrees and serve in Bordeaux stems, and you’ll immediately be drawn in by the dazzling aromatics. Lush red plums, Morello cherry preserves, and boysenberries lead the way, backed by classic Syrah notes of blueberries, cracked pepper, violets, olives, and roasted meat. The palate is a touch beyond medium-bodied but plush, leaning further into Crozes-like black and blue fruits and rumbling spice. It wicks off the palate fresh and clean, begging for another sip. This is a wine about satisfaction above all else, without sacrificing any complexity, and we honestly have trouble wrapping our head around how such an attractively priced bottle is such a slam dunk.