Occasionally when a winery is on top of their game, I am forced to post on them even when I have recently reported on their wines. I was literally just sent these two new wines by Avennia and they were both sensational — I just had to say something! One of the fantastic wineries in this state, Avennia was formed between former Microsoft executive Marty Taucher and superstar winemaker Chris Peterson. One of the state’s great winemakers, Chris Peterson was formerly DeLille Cellars winemaker for many years prior to starting Avennia. Chris has incredible structure in his winemaking and also does marvelously with showing off terroir of an individual vineyard or region.
He has done just that with the new 2017 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah (WWB, 94) which is a wine that marvelously showcases the range of the Boushey Vineyard. This thing is only a baby and will need at least another year in the bottle to fully develop. I was absolutely blown away with the new 2016 Avennia ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 95) which is a true heavyhitter and is unlike anything I have had from them. The sense of elegance, and balance is remarkable here as the wine has a seamless quality that makes it simply impossible to resist in its youth. Learn more about these special wines at avennia.com Here are my reviews of the two new wines to the awesome Avennia portfolio.
2017 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah- The 2017 ‘Arnaut’ Syrah is entirely sourced from the Boushey Vineyard in the Yakima Valley AVA and is a simply magical effort from superstar winemaker Chris Peterson. A glass-staining purple, the ‘Arnaut’ needs roughly an hour in the decanter to be fully aroused. Over time, this slowly opens with great aromatic range, from green peppercorns and sagebrush to shades of bacon fat, cigar ash and suggestions of bulls blood with fresh red fruits that round out the impressive bouquet. Soft and generous, with silky tannins and gobs of mouth-watering acidity, the ‘Arnaut’ shows ripe red and dark fruits that mingle with crushed mint, blackberry cobbler, mocha and tar on the palate. While a bit tightly wound in its youth, this beautiful new Syrah will have a long life in the cellar. Drink 2020-2035- 94
2016 Avennia ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The Avennia ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another sensational bottling from this esteemed Washington winery. Needing about an hour in the decanter to unwind, once aroused this unveils wonderful red bell pepper, creosote, sandalwood and shades of mocha with cassis that all entice on the nose. The palate is silky smooth, delivering polished tannins and good brightness as well as a soft, downright sexy mouthfeel. The texture continues to impress as the seamless quality of the wine really shines. This finishes long with black fruits and minerals. Exciting, energetic and downright delicious in its youth, the ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Cabaret Sauvignon will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2038- 95