I love Washington wines that show good value. Over the years I have particularly admired the wines of Amavi that show a marvelous combination of terroir, expert winemaking and value. I think that Amavi must visit for those who love fruit driven, yet poised red and white wines (and killer Rose!). And the sweeping views of the Walla Walla Valley are nearly as good as the wines! Amavi is a small, family owned winery that sources from great vineyards such as Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and Les Collines to create their rich and ready to drink wines. Head winemaker Jean-François Pellet is a third-generation winemaker and grape grower. Pellet also makes wines for Amavi’s sister property, Pepper Bridge. Pellet is one of the great talents in the Walla Walla Valley and he is a downright awesome guy to grab a glass of wine with.
As stated earlier, it has now been 15 years that I have been tasting these wines (possibly more) and the consistent quality is really remarkable.
For many years now Amavi has been crating a Semillon that rivals the best in North America. Their new 2019 Amavi Semillon ()B, 92) is beautifully textured with a downright sexy mouthfeel and great range of flavors. I loved the 2018 Amavi ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah (OB, 92) which has great weight and acidity. This wine is really young now and will cellar well for another decade. vintage. Learn more about Amavi at http://www.amavicellars.com Here are the great new release wines from Amavi.
2019 Amavi Cellars Semillon- A fantastic expression of the varietal, winemaker Jean-Francois Pellet has blended in 15% Sauvignon Blanc to this great Borddeaux style white wine. On the nose this takes on grassy tones with beeswax and melon at the forefront. The palate is beautifully textured showing rich apple, pear, melon and Macadamia nut flavors, with waxy and earthy undertones. This is truly up there with the best in the state as this beautiful Semillon will age well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2021-2027- 92
2018 Amavi Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah- The ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Syrah was sourced from a host of vineyards including Stone Valley, Les Collines, Seven Hills, Summit View and Pepper Bridge. Aged in mostly neutral oak barrels (16% new) this shows really good freshness and verve. Rich dark fruits parade with chocolate and smoky undertones on the palate. Bright and really nicely balanced, enjoy this outstanding new Syrah over the next decade. Drink 2021-2030- 92
2018 Amavi Cellars ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah- A beautiful new Syrah, the 2018 ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah was aged in 27% new French oak prior to bottling. Smoky and dried herbal tones fill the nose with shades of black olive, black tea and blackberry compote on this beautiful bouquet. The palate has a vibrant sense of minerality, with a silky texture and rich mouthfeel. The length of this wine really impresses as layers of dark fruits are woven together with herbal and earthy undertones. Fantastic in its youth, this beautiful new bottling will cellar well for a decade or more. Drink 2021-2030- 93
2018 Amavi Cellars ‘Walla Walla Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the outstanding 2018 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon shows heady boysenberry cordial and black tea flavors woven together with minerals, dried herbs and chocolate with cofeee ground undertones on the palate. Truly outstanding in its youth, this has over a decade of life ahead of it. Drink 2021-2033- 92