Today we share a Walla Walla winery that represents significant value. Over the years I have particularly admired the wines of Amavi that show a marvelous combination of expert winemaking and terroir. 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.
Tasting with Pellet, we tried the range of his wines and I was blown away with overall quality for the price. For many years now Amavi has been crating a Semillon that rivals the best in North America. Their new 2022 Amavi Semillon (OB, 92) is beautifully textured and shows insanely good flavor range. He also makes some of the best Rose you will find in the Walla Walla Valley, as the 2022 Amavi Rose (OB, 92) is soft and approachable with serious complexity and great weight. Learn more about Amavi at http://www.amavicellars.com Here are the great new release wines from Amavi.
2022 Amavi Semillon- One of the great wines of its kind made in the state, the 2022 Amavi Semillon was stored in neutral oak barrels before bottling and has 13% Sauvignon Blanc blended in. Right away this shows off cantaloupe and ripe pear notes on the palate, with cashew nut and baking spices that all meld together beautifully. Rich and viscous with a serious underlying tension, this is a steal at under 30 bucks. Enjoy now and over the next five plus years. Drink 2023-2029- 92
2022 Amavi Rose- Coming from Summit View, Seven Hills and Taggard Vineyard Cabernet Franc grapes, this was entirely aged in stainless steel before bottling. Warm this up a bit to take in the outstanding flavor range. Wild mushroom, red rose water, cranberry and guava fruits combine with copious minerals on the palate and a smooth texture. This is exceptionally good stuff. Drink 2023-2029- 92
2020 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2020 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon mainly comes from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards and has 15% Merlot blended in with small parts Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This is juicy and ripe wine with blackberry and black currant flavors that mingle with espresso grounds on the palate. Savory and rich, enjoy now and over the next five years. Drink 2023-2028- 91
2020 Amavi Syrah- This 2020 Syrah has 9% Grenache blended in and was stored in only 18% new French oak before bottling. Kirsch and black raspberry flavors combine with shades of garrigue and scorched earth on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, this is delicious stuff to enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 91
2020 Amavi ‘Stone Valley Vineard’ Syrah- A very refined and also highly-drinkable version of the Walla Walla Rocks, the 2020 Amavi ‘Stone Valley Vineyard’ Syrah is a really outstanding effort considering the challenges faced this vintage. Umami and green olive tapenade flavors combine with black tea, exotic spices and plump dark fruits on the palate. Enjoy now. Drink 2023-2028- 93
2020 Amavi ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah- Another stellar bottling, the 2020 ‘Les Collines Vineyard’ Syrah was stored in 35% new French oak before bottling. Dried lavender and tar notes combine with freshly tilled soils, black currants and shades of charcuterie on the palate. Complex and delicious, showing stony and salty undertones, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 93