Wine of the week: 2011 Amavi Cellars Cabernet
If you are looking for a value priced Washington Cabernet that won’t break the bank, look no further. Amavi Winery is a Walla Walla based winery that is also affiliated with Pepper Bridge Winery and uses their estate fruit. The wine is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 7% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 3% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc and you can really taste the non-Cab components to this wine. The end product is a balanced and complex version of Cabernet. This wine was given 92 points from both Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast, so buying this one is a no-brainer. Despite coming from a less than spectacular vintage, the wine has plenty of depth and richness. Look for this wine at nicer northwest grocery stores like QFC, or Met Market. Most wine shops will also carry this wine. Here is my pick for the week.
2011 Amavi Cabernet- Smoky nose with blackberry and black cherry. Palate has good concentration and balance with light tannins. Black cherry, black tea and anise. Delicious and an impressive effort for the vintage. Good value, drink now. -91