2016 Avennia 'Valery' Red Blend

Columbia Valley, Washington

This blend of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot, with the Merlot coming from the Boushey Vineyard and the Cabernet Franc from the Champoux Vineyard. Fermented with native yeasts and aged for 20 months in 30% new French oak, it was bottled unfined and unfiltered. 

Winemaker Tasting Notes: "Very dark color for this wine, befitting the excellent vintage. Red fruits and dark chocolate dustings, fresh tilled earth, rose petal, sarsaparilla, and a hint of tarragon and winter mint greet the nose. The palate is bright and lively with dark cherry, bittersweet chocolate, herbs and wet stones, but has a silky depth that keeps drawing you back as the wine opens. The finish is redolent of red fruits, floral elements and minerality. This is an elegant, compelling wine that is delicious now, but should evolve for 7-10 years in the cellar." ~Chris Peterson

93 points, Jeb Dunnuck. "Brought up in 30% new French oak, the 2016 Valery (70/30 Merlot and Cabernet Franc) offers more black cherry and earthy, herbal notes as well as a medium-bodied, seamless, beautifully balanced style. It too shows a vibrant, fresh, yet concentrated style that has a Bordeaux feel in its weight and texture."