Avennia Valery Red Blend is made from 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc
Valery is named for the patron saint of wine in the St. Emilion region that inspired it.
We started with old vine Merlot from a stony block in the heart of the Yakima Valley and added complex, aromatic Cabernet Franc from the Horse Heaven Hills. The result is a balanced, complex wine with the elegance and ethereal perfume that this blend of two of Washington’s best varietals are known for.
The nose on this wine is very perfumed, almost exotic with notes of fresh violets, red plum, winter mint, fresh herbs and crushed limestone qualities. The palate is poised and balanced, with red fruits and mocha powder encapsulated in limestone. The finish lingers delicately, with the Cabernet Franc asserting a light tobacco and herb note, giving depth. A compelling wine that will continue to unwind for 7-10 years in the cellar.
Review:
"Brought up in 30% new French oak, the 2016 Valery (70/30 Merlot and Cabernet Franc) offers more black cherry and earthy, herbal notes as well as a medium-bodied, seamless, beautifully balanced style. It too shows a vibrant, fresh, yet concentrated style that has a Bordeaux feel in its weight and texture."
- Jeb Dunnuck (April 2019), 93 pts
"Good medium-dark red. Aromas of blueberry, mocha, licorice and violet are a bit darker than those of the 2015 version. Dense and penetrating, with wild flavors of dark berries, licorice and game given lift by rocky minerality and a minty nuance. Chris Peterson slightly acidified his Cabernet Franc from Champoux Vineyard, which he added to the wine for richness. This beauty may yet tighten up in the bottle.- Stephen Tanzer"
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (November 2018), 92+ pts
Arzuaga Ribera del Duero La Planta is made from 100% Tempranillo.
Deep violet red. Clean and bright with a range of red fruits (raspberry and cherry) that dominate with a high aromatic intensity, joined by balsamic, cacao, coffee, and roasted tones. Fresh, elegant, easy, and balanced in the mouth with a lightly sweet, toasted, and pleasant aftertaste.
Fried fish, sausage, and white meats such as roasted poultry.
Babylons Peak Pinotage is made from 100 percent Pinotage.
Babylon's Peak winery, situated on the highest weathered granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain, is privately owned by the Basson family who has passed down the tradition, passion and art of winemaking over four generations. Predominantly low-yield dryland bushvines are selected to produce these excellent wines with distinctive character.
Dark red color, with ripe plums and mocha on the nose. Dark fruit followed by spice on the palate. A well balanced wine with smooth integrated tannins.
The Pinotage is dryland bushvines, planted on the highest south-east facing granite slopes on the farm. Due to its unique terroir, this vineyard ripens slowly over a very long period. This results in very dark color, soft tannins and good flavor compounds. The baboons normally harvest their quantity first and we pick the rest.
The grapes were harvested by hand at 25,6°B.and destalked only. No crushing was done. Cold maceration was done before fermentation started in open fermenters. The grapes fermented between 24-26°C for 5-7 days, after which the wine was taken to barrels where it went through malolactic fermentation. After malolactic fermentation was completed, the wine spent 12 months in 225 liter French oak barrels until bottling.
Pairs with lamb, bobotie and braaied red meat.
Bertrand Bachelet Meursault Clos du Cromin is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Meursault, the world-renowned appellation, has produced mostly fine white wines for centuries.
Meursault Clos du Cromin takes its name from the village "Le Cromin", situated in the north-east of the appellation, close to the Volnay vineyard, in rich, clay soil.
The wine reveals a beautifully transparent and brilliant color, a subtle nose of citrus fruits, butter and honey, and a long finish.
Pairs with a noble fish, or white meat in sauce.
Bachelet Bertrand Santenay Blanc is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes:
The Santenay Blanc comes from a parcel that is 1.2 hectares in size (3 acres) in the village called “En Charron”, at around 300 meters above sea level, with excellent sunshine and thin limestone soil, guaranteeing great aromatic finesse.
The wine shows a beautiful golden color, a fresh and slightly roasted nose combining lemon and lime aromas with a hint of vanilla. On the palate, almond and toasted hazelnut flavors, along with notes of white flowers and vanilla nuances.
A blend of fruit from estate-owned, small parcels in the high altitude village of Saint-Romain.
Aromas of crushed stones, lemon zest, crisp apricot, wildflowers. Medium-bodied, fresh, lively.
Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is made from 100 percent Pinot Noir.
Dark cherry, raspberry, and elderberry intertwine with intriguing hints of fresh basil, and pomegranate. Decadent fruit flavors unfold, showcasing remarkable acidity with dynamic structure and an enduring finish.
Our Appellation Series wines embody our unwavering commitment to exploration and the artistry of crafting soulful, thought-provoking wines that pay homage to the world’s extraordinary terroirs.
The Sonoma Coast is the largest appellation in Sonoma County, strongly influenced by its proximity to the ocean and heavy rainfall—producing more than twice the annual amount of its inland neighbors.
Our Sonoma Coast vineyards span the northern true coastal zone and the southern edge of the appellation. This distinctive blend is made from 11 different clones, fermented in predominantly stainless steel, and aged for 16 months in 38% new oak. The resulting wine has an energetic acidity with cascading layers of black cherry and elderberry, followed by a lasting finish.
Fact of Note: This Sonoma Coast blend was the longest to ferment in stainless steel from our Appellation Series.
Grand Veneur Cotes Du Rhone Les Champauvins Blanc is made 100% Viognier. Located in the area known as "Les Champauvins", close to Domaine Grand Veneur. The soils are clay-sand and limestone. They enable the white grape varieties to ripen slowly, thus preserving their excellent aromatic finesse.
A great Viognier, conceived and produced with finesse and freshness in mind. Bright, limpid pale yellow color. Intense, delicate nose of floral and white-fleshed fruit aromas. Fresh, mineral and airy on the palate. White peach and pear aromas are the most expressive. The fruity characters are long-lasting, evolving into notes of apricot after a few hours' aeration.