Introduction:
The 2022 Avennia Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain, Washington, USA is a bold, structured expression of New World Cabernet. Showcasing the intense fruit, firm tannins, and savory complexity characteristic of the Red Mountain AVA, this wine balances power with elegance. Crafted with precision by winemaker Chris Peterson, it reflects both terroir and a restrained, age-worthy winemaking philosophy.
Terrior:
Red Mountain AVA is one of Washington State’s premier regions for Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its hot, arid climate, southwest-facing slopes, and sandy-loam and gravelly soils. These conditions produce small, thick-skinned berries with high phenolic content, leading to concentrated, structured wines. Large diurnal shifts help preserve acidity and aromatic freshness.
Appearance:
Deep ruby with a nearly opaque core, this wine displays youthful vibrancy and density — a visual cue to its concentration and age-worthiness.
Nose:
Aromas of blackberry, cassis, and black cherry unfold alongside notes of dried herbs, graphite, cedar, baking spices, and a hint of tobacco. Subtle oak integration brings hints of cocoa and vanilla, enhancing the wine’s depth and complexity.
Palate:
Full-bodied and powerful, the palate delivers dark fruit flavors — blackberry, plum, and currant — wrapped in fine-grained tannins. There’s a balancing acidity and a savory undercurrent of dried herbs, espresso, and earth. The wine is structured and layered, with a refined mouthfeel and polished texture.
Finish:
Long and persistent, the finish carries dark fruit, cedar, and minerality. Firm tannins and lifted acidity ensure longevity, with a graceful taper that suggests great potential in the cellar.
Overall Impression:
The 2022 Avennia Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout Red Mountain wine — powerful yet nuanced, structured yet expressive. With its balance of ripe fruit, savory detail, and firm tannins, it’s built to age but also delivers complexity in its youth. A benchmark example of the region’s ability to produce world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.
Recommended Food Pairing:
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Meat / Game / Hearty: Grilled ribeye, lamb chops with rosemary, braised short ribs, smoked brisket, venison
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Vegetarian / Vegetable / Hearty Vegetarian: Mushroom bourguignon, lentil ragout, grilled portobello with balsamic glaze, roasted root vegetables
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Cheese / Charcuterie: Aged cheddar, Manchego, aged Gouda, dry-aged salami, prosciutto, pâté
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): ~14.5%
Farming Practices: Estate-grown fruit; sustainably farmed on sandy-loam and gravel soils
Producer Name: Avennia
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: Washington – Red Mountain AVA
Grape Varietals: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Full-bodied, structured New World Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaking Techniques: Native-yeast fermentation; 18–20 months in French oak (portion new); bottled unfined and unfiltered
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork