Today we celebrate the wines of Avennia, which is a partnership between famed winemaker Chris Peterson and former Microsoft exec Marty Taucher. They now have two lines of wines, from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain as well as wines from choice sites throughout the Columbia Valley. They are making some of the best Sauvignon Blanc and Rose in Washington State.
Avennia have been producing world-class wines since their inception more than a decade ago. I adored the 2023 Avennia ‘Valery’ Red Wine (OB, 95) which is a beautiful rendition of Right Bank-inspired wine from Washington. Learn more about Avennia at https://avennia.com and here are my reviews of the fantastic new ‘Estate Vineyard’ wines by Avennia.
2023 Avennia ‘Estate Vineyard Red Mountain’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Estate Vineyard Red Mountain’ was stored in a small amount of new French oak barrels before bottling. Vey dark and perfumed this is brimming with dark currant flavors alongside pencil lead, anise, creme de violette and scorched earth on the palate. A tad better than the ’22, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2042- 95
2023 Avennia ‘Valery’ Red Wine- The really good 2023 Avennia ‘Valery’ is nearly all Merlot (90%) with the remainder Cabernet Franc. It is big and bold with terrific freshness and mid-palate depth. Black tea and exotic spices fill the nose with shades of orange bell pepper and heady dark fruits, with dark chocolate shavings. Lush and ripe on the mouth, this exhibits terrific length and underlying tension. Enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 95
2023 Avennia ‘Sestina’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘Sestina’ combines mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) with smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Sagebrush, mocha and tar notes combine with black florals and hints of graphite on the nose. The palate is lush and inviting with a silky texture and outstanding combination of weight and underlying verve. This is astonishingly good in its heady youth and will continue to evolve over the next fifteen plus years. Drink 2026-2043-96