Avennia 2014 Oliane Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley, $28
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%
Earlier this June Colleen and I did our second tour of some wineries out of Ashland. Wineries in the afternoon and plays at the Shakespeare Festival in the evening. Our last stop coming out of the Applegate Valley was Schultz Winery at your recommendation. It was a pleasant surprise. Greg was in the tasting room with the two dogs and his wife was out working in the vineyard. Colleen found her big buttery Chardonnay! They shipped a mixed case home,
(2 cases flew FREE on Alaska) plus 3 other cases by Fedx for the trip. Two weeks ago you did a Viognier review. You described theirs as “oaky and buttery” so we bought a case. Drank it tonight and it was as advertised! Thanks for the review.
By the way, congratulations on the journalism awards. I am glad that professional persons like yourselfs can be recognized without a printing press running behind them. Things are well at our house and we follow you every week and buy lots of your recommendations.
George and Colleen Hoyt