Sometimes when I am tasting wines they are so exceptional that I immediately need to post on them. One of the premier producers of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, Avennia is a joint venture between former Microsoft exec Marty Taucher and winemaker Chris Peterson. Avennia has made their world class wines for more than a decade. It seems like their overall quality just gets better and better as they become more and more familiar with the vineyards and winemaking style.
Winemaker Chris Peterson is one of Washington’s great talents. His wines have beautiful poise, texture and weight. Chris did an amazing job with his 2020 wines where many other producers did not fare as well. The first 2021 wines that I have tasted from him are seriously good, that show the richness and depth from this warm vintage. Don’t miss out on the 2021 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which shows a beautiful purity of red fruit flavors with serious nuance and texture. Learn more about these special wines at avennia.com Here are my reviews of the two new Avennia wines.
2021 Avennia ‘Justine’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Justine’ is an incredible wine made by Chris Peterson. Mainly Grenache (65%) with the remainder Mourvèdre and Syrah, this displays beautiful high-toned red rose petals and pink grapefruit blossom tones on the nose alongside red currants, guava and shades of red licorice candy. The palate is soft and seamless throughout the drinking experience, with a silky texture and good concentration and underlying finesse. Enjoy this beauty now and over the next twelve plus years to come. Drink 2023-2035- 95
2021 Avennia ‘Arnaut’ Syrah- The 2021 ‘Arnaut’ is a thrilling wine that comes from the Boushey Vineyard. This beauty is already drinking marvelously. Black plum, white pepper dusted bacon and dark currants all mark the nose with damp soils and shades of Kalamata olive. The palate is weightless and has great depth and length. A heady core of roasted figs, creosote and kirsch cordial flavors greet you, with good underlying verve and dark chocolate cake nuances. This is absolutely delicious Syrah that will live on for at least another twelve years to come. Drink 2023-2035- 96