An estate vineyard for the McKibben family’s Amavi label is Les Collines, a 240-acre site planted at a higher elevation (1,400 feet) than most in the Walla Walley Valley. Karen LaBonte, whose tasting room is off the lobby at the Marcus Whitman Hotel, has joined the elite group of winemakers who get into this showpiece spot in the Blue Mountain foothills for this Spanish red. Aromas of black cherry, black plum and cassis pick up sweet herbs and chips of bittersweet chocolate. Those notes also transition into flavors that are presented in a rich and dark fashion with remarkably smooth tannins and a lengthy finish. This received a silver medal at the 2014 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 225 cases
Alcohol: 13.8%
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