Description
The 2022 Avenger is a generous, beautifully textured red that brings together five varieties in a blend built around Syrah. Sourced from California, the wine combines the richness and warmth of the region with a freshness and balance that give it plenty of energy. Syrah provides the backbone, supported by Carignan, Grenache, Petite Sirah and a small amount of Mourvèdre, creating a wine with both depth and complexity.
Deeply coloured and immediately expressive, the nose opens with ripe blackberry and dark plum alongside smoked meat, sweet tobacco, sandalwood and Moroccan spice. The palate is rich and supple, with layers of black fruit, caramel and bacon fat, while fine tannins and fresh acidity keep everything in balance. Despite its generosity, there is a lovely lightness to the texture, making the wine remarkably easy to drink.
Aged in French and Hungarian oak, with a proportion of new barrels, the wine gains subtle spice and structure without losing its vibrant fruit character.
This is a wine with plenty of immediate appeal, but there is enough concentration and structure to reward patience too. A beautifully polished California red with both generosity and personality.
Awarded 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck.