Avennia Sestina Red Blend 2012 is made from 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc
The Sestina is a poetic form from Medieval France. Just as a contemporary poet can use an old form like the Sestina to express modern ideas, we use the traditional Bordeaux blend to make modern wines that express Washington fruit. Sestina is our vision for an old vine blend where the focus is on structure, balance, and complexity. This wine is designed for the cellar, but is enjoyable now.
Vintage: After two consecutive cooler years that nevertheless produced some very exciting wines, 2012 was a welcome change of pace. It will be remembered most for the intense heat of mid-August through most of September, ripening the earlier varietals such as Merlot and Syrah from warmer sites, very quickly. The autumn weather cycle finally started to kick in early in October, leading to a nice slow ripening throughout the month. We picked our last Cabernet, the 1972 planting at Bacchus, on October 22nd, a full 10 days ahead of 2011. Yields were low to moderate at nearly all sites, with small berries and ripe flavors, full richness, and ample but supple tannins.
2012 Sestina: This wine is a blockbuster, with black currant, black raspberry, saddle leather, freshly tilled earth, vanilla, and violet on the nose. Exceedingly rich and balanced on the palate, with great poise and structure for long aging. The finish echoes with fresh black fruits, minerally touches, and floral notes.
Review:
"More concentrated and structured, the 2012 Sestina is notable. Comprised of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc that will see 20 months in 70% new French oak, this knockout barrel-sample exhibits classic blackberry and currant-styled fruit, graphite, crushed rock and smoke to go with a savory, chewy and full-bodied feel on the palate. Staying fresh and lively, with high tannin, it will benefit from short-term cellaring and have upward of two decades of longevity."
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue 213, June 2014), 94-96 pts