Old Vine Impulse: Avennia Sestina and Valery

Fellow wine lovers, winemaker Chris Peterson of Avennia Winery has access to some of the best old vines in Washington State. He’s been sourcing Cabernet Sauvignon planted in 1972 at Bacchus Vineyard, and in 1973 at Dionysus Vineyard, to make his “Sestina” Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux blend, and it’s been outstanding every year. As of last year, he’s also added a Merlot based Bordeaux blend to the Avennia lineup, called “Valery”, featuring Merlot planted at Boushey Vineyard in 1986.

Avennia 2013 "Sestina" Cabernet Sauvignon Blend $64.99

Region: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State Wine
Vineyard(s): Dionysus, Red Willow, and Bacchus Vineyards
Grape(s): 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc
Aging: 70% New French Oak for 21 Months
Drinkability: Now through 2024, best if you wait 2-4 years and/or decant
Body: Medium-Full
Press: 92-94+ Points by Jeb Dunnuck of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Production: 490 cases

Avennia 2013 "Valery" Merlot Blend $49.99

Region: Columbia Valley AVA, Washington State Wine
Vineyard(s): Boushey and Champoux Vineyards
Grape(s): 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc
Aging: 40% New French Oak for 20 Months
Drinkability: Now through 2020
Body: Medium
Press: 90-92 Points by Jeb Dunnuck of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
Production: 172
Availability: 3 cases

These two are both great wines, and they complement each other very well. The “Sestina” is my favorite, and I think one of the best Cabernet blends coming from Washington right now. It’s the bigger of the two, being focused on 73% old vine Cabernet Sauvignon with 18% Merlot, and 9% Cabernet Franc. It also receives more new oak during the aging process, with 70% new French oak barrels for 21 Months. By contrast, the “Valery” is based on 86% Merlot, with 14% Cabernet Franc and almost half as much new oak, at 40% new French for 20 months. It’s a more delicate wine, as you would expect, but not lacking by any means.

Sestina features firmer tannins with a bit more acidity, and could use another 2 to 4 years of laying down before it really starts to reveal its potential. It’s dark and brooding with notes blackberries, cassis, and black cherry, backed by hints of pepper and crushed stone. It’s a fairly full bodied wine from beginning to end, continuing to open up over the course of several hours, with a long lingering finish. It also has a rocking score of 92-94+ from Jeb Dunnuck of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
Valery, in true Right Bank Bordeaux fashion, is softer in body and more early drinking, but should also age nicely. It leans more towards the red spectrum of fruit, showing red plums and raspberries, with a background of cedar, spice, minerality, and a touch of dried leaves. Valery has a score of 90-92 points by Jeb Dunnuck of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Cheers

Yashar Shayan
Certified Sommelier
Founder, Impulse Wine