Named after the French word for Crow, or Raven, this Syrah is certainly as dark as the name implies. Hailing from Discovery Vineyard, perched high above the Columbia River in the heart of the Horse Heaven Hills, these grapes were grown in a very unique terroir. Avennia's approach of old-world style, minimalist winemaking allows for full expression of the fruit, showcasing the elegant and savory side of Syrah.
"Leads with a nice balance of dark fruits—blackberry and blueberry—with more savory elements, including blackberry leaf, olive, charcuterie, and a hint of shiitake. The palate features snappy fresh black fruits, a hint of smoked meat, and a lively finish with plenty of savory elements that make this wine quite interesting. Give it a year in the cellar and enjoy over the next eight years or so." - Chris Peterson, Winemaker
Review:
The last vintage for this cuvée, the 2017 Syrah Le Corbeau Discovery Vineyard is similar in style to the Arnaut yet offers slightly more floral notes in its blue fruits, wild strawberry, violets, rose petal, and sappy, forest floor aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with bright acidity and good balance, it’s a beautiful Syrah that leans heavily toward the fresh, elegant end of the spectrum while still offering tons of character and pleasure. Winemaker Chris Peterson continues to fashion some of the most impressive wines in the State. These are always more classical in style and show plenty of acidity and structure in their youth, yet they blossom with just short term cellaring and are brilliant wines.
-Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points
Native fermented and aged in neutral oak, this wine has intoxicating, piercingly pure aromas of blueberry compote, sage and leaf that lead to an elegant palate showing a sense of refinement. Smoked meat notes linger on the finish. It's a captivating example of the variety and appellation, revealing a sense of purity, delicacy and class.
-Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
The 2017 Le Corbeau Discovery Vineyard Syrah has a black-fruited core, exuding rich focus and a dusty rockiness. On the palate, this is not as savory as the Arnaut Syrah, but it still possesses a bold and expressive structure with good mineral tension. The wine expands with precision and complexity on the long-lingering finish. Only 150 cases were produced.
-Anthony Mueller (Robert Parker) 91 Points
