Avennia Arnaut Syrah Yakima Valley 2011

Avennia Arnaut Syrah 2011 is made from 100% Syrah.
Vineyards: 100% Boushey Vineyard.
Ageing: 16 months in 15% New French Oak.
Fermentation: 15% whole cluster with native yeast.

“The 2011 Syrah Arnaut is a brilliant effort in the vintage that has more than a hint of Northern Rhone gaminess. Deep, dark and layered, with black cherry, spice-box, licorice, pepper and assorted smoked meat-like qualities, this medium to full-bodied Syrah has a wonderful sappiness and energetic feel on the palate that keeps you coming back to the glass.” 94 points – Robert Parker

Review:

The 2011 Arnaut is a smoking Syrah that’s loaded with promise and it will be interesting to see how it stacks up to the 2010 in another year. A 100% Boushey Vineyard Syrah that was fermented with 15% whole-cluster and aged 16 months in 15% new French oak, it offers up a gorgeous array of smoked black raspberries, cracked pepper, forest floor and loads of meatiness to go with a laser focused, medium to full-bodied palate. Lively and slightly racy on the acid side, it fleshes out nicely on the finish with broad, chewy tannin. Impressive all around and it should benefit from short-term cellaring once released and have 8-10 years of evolution. Drink 2014-2021.

Founded by Chris Peterson (winemaker and formerly of DeLille Cellars) and Marty Taucher, and releasing their first vintage in 2010, this Woodinville-based operation needs to be on everyone’s radar. The wines are superb across the board and while they have solid fruit, they stress purity and elegance, with vibrant cores of acidity. The 2011 reds are also superb across the board. Slightly less concentrated than the 2010s, they have excellent mid-palate depth, ripe tannin structure and plenty of texture.-Wine Advocate #207 Jun 2013 92-94 Points

Winery Notes:

For our taste, no one grows finer Syrah in this state than Dick Boushey. We make this wine with minimal manipulation, using native yeasts and bottling unfined and unfiltered, to allow the “place” to shine through.

This wine is full-bodied and complex, with aromas of black raspberry, dark cherry, iron and smoked meat. The palate is dense and brooding, with uplifting acidity and hints of woodsmoke, meat, cocoa nibs and orange peel. The silky mouthfeel, a trademark of this vineyard, carries over to a lengthy, bright finish. The 2011 Arnaut should age gracefully for a decade or more.

The Avennia Estate
Our goal is to make wines that evoke clarity: clarity of place, clarity of type, clarity of purpose.
We believe this is best expressed by using the classic French varietals and blends, with methods passed down over generations. We work within this context to allow Washington vineyards and terroirs to distinguish themselves. Terroir is only readily appreciable in a well-formed, harmonious wine. Structure is the backbone from which beauty can radiate.

Avennia is inspired by the Roman name for the city of Avignon, and signifies for us the heart of Old World winemaking. Our wines are designed to tease rather than flaunt; pique interest, not beg for attention. They stand for elegance, delicacy, purity. Our wines are made to enhance conversation, not dominate it, and will be a welcome guest at the table