Avennia Sestina Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc.
The story of this wine - The Sestina is an ancient form of poetry from Medieval France. Just as a modern poet can fill this form with new expressions, Avennia uses the traditional Bordeaux blend to express Washington. Sestina is their vision for an old vine, complex blend where all of the components complement each other. This wine is designed for the cellar, so the emphasis is on structure, balance, and complexity.
Winemaker Tasting Notes - “Good deep ruby/garnet color, with aromas of black cherry, fresh black currant, dark mocha, cigar box, and graphite. The palate is lively and dense with mountain berries, mocha, vanilla honey, damp earth, and wildflowers. The finish shows a distinct chalky minerality and beautiful tension. This is a classically balanced and ageworthy Sestina. Drink 2025-2040.” - Chris Peterson, Winemaker
Review:
"The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated release from Peterson, the 2017 Sestina comes from the Red Willow, Bacchus, and Dionysus vineyards. Rocking levels of crème de cassis, sappy herbs, violets, and cedar pencil all flow to a full-bodied, incredibly pure, polished 2017 that offers flawless balance, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. It's more approachable than normal yet is still going to evolve for 15 to 20 years. The blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, all raised 20 months in 50% new French oak."
- Jeb Dunnuck (April 2020), 95 pts
Marie Baron Pouilly Fume is made from 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.
Pouilly-Fumé is one of the Loire Valley's most prestigious white wine appellations, located on the right bank of the Loire River across from Sancerre. The 'Fumé' in the name refers to the smoky, flinty character imparted by the Kimmeridgian clay and silex (flint) soils.
This wine displays a brilliant pale gold color with intense aromas of citrus, white peach, and the signature gunflint smokiness. On the palate, it is elegant and focused with mineral-driven acidity, flavors of green apple and grapefruit, and a long, precise finish.
Pairs beautifully with shellfish, sushi, grilled fish, or fresh goat cheese like Crottin de Chavignol.