Raven Impulse: Avennia “Le Corbeau” Syrah

Fellow wine lovers, Avennia has a brand new single vineyard Syrah debuting this year. It’s called Le Corbeau, and it’s sourced from Discovery Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. The name Le Corbeau is French for Raven- a reflection of the wine’s dark color, like that of the dark feathered bird.

Avennia 2014 “Le Corbeau” Syrah $49.99

Avennia has been one of my favorite Syrah producers in Washington state, ever since they introduced their Arnaut Syrah from Boushey Vineyard. This new Syrah is every bit as good, and done in a slightly different style. Where the Arnaut includes 15% stems and 15% new French oak, the Le Corbeau features no stem inclusion and 100% neutral French oak. It’s fermented using indigenous yeast and aged in puncheons, which are 500 liter barrels as opposed to the typical 225 liter ones. Using these larger barrels has become very popular with top Syrah producers, as they're thought to make for a smoother, less aggressive wine. Le Corbeau is a pretty wine, with nice depth and complexity. There are lovely notes of black plum and blackberry, with a background of smoky earth, bacon, and mineral with just a hint of flower petals. Avennia’s signature of clean fruit and excellent structure are as apparent as ever in this very enjoyable wine, and Jeb Dunnuck of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gives it 93-95 points.

They made only 122 cases of the Le Corbeau, and have offered us just 2 cases, which are first come first serve.

Region: Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Washington State Wine
Vineyard(s): Discovery Vineyard
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Aging: 16 Months 100% Neutral French Oak Barrels
Drinkability: Now through 2020
Body: Medium-Full
Drink This if you Like: Avennia Arnaut Syrah, Côte-Rôtie
Press: 93-95 Points from Jeb Dunnuck of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Food Pairing: Roast Beef, Lamb, Boar
Production: 122 cases
Availability: 2 cases

Cheers

Yashar Shayan
Certified Sommelier
Founder, Impulse Wine