Avennia 2013 Boushey Vineyard Arnaut Syrah, Yakima Valley, $50
DeLille Cellars alum Chris Peterson made a big splash with his debut 2010 vintage of Syrah from renowned grower Dick Boushey, and he’s recently released one of the state’s best examples from the first of three historically hot vintages. Peterson stays with his barrel program of 15% new French oak for 16 months, and the complex nose casts out hints of sizzling back bacon, delicious dark purple fruit, toast, sweet herbs, minerality and forest floor earthiness. On the palate, it’s smooth, clean and round with Damson plum, blackberry, black cherry and espresso. Satiny tannins, huckleberry acidity, a touch of gaminess and pinch of baking spices make for a stunning finish. It earned a gold medal in the $42-and-up Syrah class at the 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 420 cases
Alcohol: 15%
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