This is now the second post on Avennia in the past four months that I have done right after tasting. I do this because the wines are just so good. A premier producers of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, Avennia is a joint venture between former Microsoft exec Marty Taucher and winemaker Chris Peterson. These wines are incredibly consistent and extremely well-made.
At the helm is former DeLille Cellars Winemaker Chris Peterson. He is one of the greats in the state for crafting wines with balance, poise and richness. While he makes some sensational red wines, he has an affinity for making some of the state’s finest whites. Case in point the 2022 Avennia ‘La Perle’ White Wine (OB, 95) is the finest edition of this wine yet. Big and bold with serious richness and flavor density this is a must-try wine. I adore the 2021 Avennia ‘Valery’ Red Wine (OB, 96) which is a total knockout Merlot. Learn more about these special wines at avennia.com Here are my reviews of the new Avennia wines.
2022 Avennia ‘Oliane’ Sauvignon Blanc- This beautiful 2022 Sauvignon Blanc was sourced from the Boushey (62%) and Red Willow (38%) vineyards in the Yakima Valley. On the nose this takes on layers of kiwi, sourdough bread and green melon notes that all take shape in the glass. The palate is beautifully textured with serious underlying verve. Soft, round and generous on the mouth, don’t serve this beautiful wine too warm. Drink 2024-2032- 93
2022 Avennia ‘La Perle’ White Wine- The 2022 ‘La Perle’ is a seductive blend of mainly 78% Roussanne with the remainder Marsanne coming from the Columbia Valley. Macadamia nut and beeswax tones combine on the nose with shades of banana and ripe mango, giving this a very tropical feel. The palate is deep, concentrated and beautifully textured, as this has to be the finest edition of this wine yet made — a total heavyhitter by winemaker Chris Peterson. Drink 2024-2033- 95
2023 Avennia ‘L’Egerie’ Rosę- The 2023 ‘L’Egerie’ or ‘The Muse’ Rose is mainly Grenache (70%) with the remainder Mourvèdre. A beautiful pale salmon color, this offers serious freshness with copious minerals that mingle well with cran-orange, wild mushroom, ripe red raspberry and suggestions of cantaloupe. Very refined and sleek, enjoy this delicious, highly-nuanced wine at a slightly warmer temperature. Drink 2024-2032- 93
2021 Frank The Tank Red Wine- The 2021 Frank The Tank is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller portions Merlot and Cabernet Franc. This comes off very soft and elegant on the mouth, with beautiful finesse and concentration from this warm vintage. A soft texture greets you as layers of chocolate covered dark currant and tobacco leaf meld well together in the glass. Enjoy now. Drink 2024-2029- 91
2021 Avennia ‘Valery’ Red Wine- The 2021 Avennia ‘Valery’ is a Right Bank inspired blend of 84% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc from the Boushey and Champox Vineyards. On the nose this takes on beautiful violet rose petal tones that combine with freshly tilled loamy soils, cigar box, anise and shades of coffee grounds with dense dark fruits. The palate is soft and seamless as this deftly glides throughout the drinking experience. Full-bodied, with elegant tannins, this is a totally stunning Merlot that is one of the finest you will taste in Washington State. Drink 2023-2040- 96
2021 Avennia ‘Sestina’ Red Wine- The 2021 ‘Sestina’ is a gorgeous blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Needing about 30 minutes in the decanter to fully unwind, this yields beautiful black florals that mingle well with wet stone, Black Forest Cake and suggestions of huckleberry with garrigue notes. The palate is soft and refined with a silky texture and beautiful sense of elegance and weight. This is seamless throughout the drinking experience, loaded with black fruit flavors with dark chocolate shavings and suggestions of underbrush. Refined tannins frame this stunning heavyhitter of a Cabernet that is already drinking beautifully now at the three year mark. Savor this beauty now and over the next fifteen to twenty years. Drink 2024-2040- 96