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Avennia 2014 Oliane Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $28

By Great Northwest Wine on February 11, 2016

Chris Peterson’s young brand continues to build upon the experience and connections gained through his work at DeLille Cellars, which long has shined with its Chaleur Estate Blanc — a white Bordeaux blend that spotlights Dick Boushey’s acclaimed program. At Avennia, Peterson and co-owner Marty Taucher blend Boushey Vineyard (55%) with historic Red Willow Vineyard for one of the Northwest’s most remarkable examples of Sauvignon Blanc. This is 100 percent Sauv Blanc, and its complexity begins with fermentation using feral yeast, followed by seven months of aging in neutral French oak (75%), new oak (10%) and concrete tank (15%). It creates aromas of Ambrosia Salad foam, dried pineapple and starfruit, backed by honeysuckle, a wisp of smoke and the slow emergence of caramel corn. On the palate, the lively delivery of tropical notes is joined by mouthwatering flavors of gooseberry pie and lime peel. Spot-on acidity and pleasing minerality in the finish keeps you coming back, and suggested pairings range from chicken piccata to oysters.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 442 cases

Alcohol: 13.4%

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About Great Northwest Wine

Articles authored by Great Northwest Wine are co-authored by Eric Degerman and Andy Perdue. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.