Spokane’s Arbor Crest Wine Cellars family created the Avansino tier for Italian-themed bottlings and a tribute to their pianist grandmother. Here’s the debut of their Super Tuscan-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese (25%) using Conner-Lee Vineyard near Othello, Wash., and Wahluke Slope Vineyard, which the Mielkes once owned. There’s more a sense of the Sangiovese in the nose with Van cherry, red plum and blueberry, joined by toasted pine nuts, crushed walnut and horehound. On the palate, it’s an intense drink with flavors of blackberry, plum and black olive. Age-worthy tannins, blueberry acidity and black pepper indicate the best is yet to come in the cellar, but enjoy now with ribs, home-fired hamburgers and tomato-rich pasta dishes.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 500 cases
Alcohol: 13.8%
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