2016 Avennia "Frank the Tank", "Gravura" & "Justine" Columbia Valley Red Blend Horizontal

“The 2016 Gravura checks in as 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, aged 20 months in 60% new French oak. It's another rock star of a wine from Chris that sports a saturated purple color, complex notes of blackberries, black cherries, damp earth, and spring flowers, hints of subtle oak, medium body, and perfect balance. Drink this seamless blend over the coming 10-15 years. 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.” (04/2019)

“Attractive rich dark berries with some blueberries of offer, as well as dark, bracken-like, savory influences. The palate has a smooth and succulent edge that really holds a lot of flavor in effortless style. Approachable yet age-worthy red. Drink or hold.” (07/2019)

“Bright dark red. Aromas of dark berries, licorice and hot rocks. Plush, smooth and concentrated, with something distinctly old-fashioned about its flavors of black fruits and spices complicated by leather, minerals and warm stones. A good portion of these vines date back to the early 1970s, says winemaker Peterson. (ST)” (11/2018)

“A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot make up the majority of this wine, with the balance Cabernet Franc. With fruit coming from a who's who of vineyards, the aromas draw you into the glass, with notes of dried herb, flower, thyme, cherry and graphite, showing a sense of delineation and detail that heightens the appeal. Exquisitely balanced fruit flavors follow. Bittersweet chocolate notes linger on the long finish. It brings a sense of gracefulness but has enough structure to reward some time in the cellar. *Editors' Choice* (PG)” (05/2019)

“Vibrant and well-knit, with expressive cherry, toasted spice and smoked herb flavors that take on structure toward the broad-shouldered tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. (TF)” (05/2019)

“A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Gravura opens to a mineral-laced core of dark fruits on the nose, followed by blackberry, dusty plum and cassis, with hints of sage and black tea wafting from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, the wine gives flavors of graphite and soft, sweet herbs on the palate. The finish is elegant, long and lingering, revealing a wine that will last for years to come. (AM)” (12/2019)

“The 2016 Justine is the Southern Rhône blend of the estate, checking in as 56% Grenache, 32% Mourvèdre, and 12% Syrah aged 20% in concrete and the balance in neutral French oak. This medium ruby-colored effort offers a thrilling bouquet of kirsch liqueur, herbes de Provence, ground pepper, and spice. It's elegant, medium-bodied, and seamless on the palate, with rocking levels of fruit and texture.” (04/2019)

“A blend of 55% Grenache, 32% Mourvèdre and 13% Syrah, the 2016 Justine wafts from the glass with expressive and focused fruit and spice tones that are more akin to Syrah, with notes of black cherry and spicy plum. There are dusty and dark-fruited flavors on the palate, turning a bit spicy and showing a kiss of tartness toward the back, ending with a long, expansive and slightly hot finish. This wine is a good value at this price. I want another sip. (AM)” (12/2019)

“Bright, full medium red. Perfumed nose offers scents of red berries and sage. Complex, ripe and sweet, offering lovely intensity and noteworthy thickness, with its flavors of red berries and spices lifted by a floral element and an element of wildness from the cooler late-season weather. The Syrah component adds color to this blend. Finishes peppery and long, with terrific focus and no sign of alcoholic warmth. (ST)” (11/2018)

“Grenache makes up 56% of this wine, with the balance 32% Mouvèdre and 12% Syrah. Brooding aromas of black pepper, cherry and raspberry lead to quite ripe, full-bodied, soft, sultry blue and black fruit flavors that carry through the finish. It needs time to be fully appreciated. *Cellar Selection* (SS)” (05/2019)

“Well-built, with medium-bodied raspberry, licorice and smoked pepper flavors that persist toward buffed tannins. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. (TF)” (05/2019)