2021 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley
90 Points ~ Jeb Dunnuck
Tasting Notes
SMELLS LIKE: dark chocolate, vanilla bean, rose petal, black cherry
TASTES LIKE: baking spices, butterscotch, dusty malt, wet river rock
MOUTHFEEL: velvety and approachable with a mouthwatering finish
DRINK WITH: cassoulet, lamb tagine, blackberry cobbler, spinach dip
THE VINEYARDS
Within all of our vineyards we dedicate ourselves to being stewards of the land and leaders in the practices of sustainable agriculture.
THE VINTAGE
The 2021 growing season started with a cool, dry spring and an early bud break in April. A July heat dome sent temperatures soaring to previously unseen heights for the state, topping out in Walla Walla at 116 degrees! Above-average temperatures lasted for the rest of the summer. Finally, the weather cooled at the end of August and brought perfect ripening conditions for an ideal, unrushed harvest season.
Although the heat produced lower yields across the region, the grapes held beautiful concentration and acidity, with immense taste, mouthfeel, and color. Wines from the 2021 vintage are extremely balanced, forecasting their age-worthiness and drinkability for years to come!
Amavi Cellars represents winemaking passion, quality and commitment to the Walla Walla Valley. The brand is dedicated to producing estate grown wines that showcase the distinct personality of this region. Since 2001, the winery has established itself as a fixture in the Walla Walla wine community, becoming known for its elegantly-structured wines and beautiful “zen-like” tasting room.
Amavi Cellars signifies love (amor) and life (vita) through its wines, which are 100% estate, 100% certified sustainable, and 100% Walla Walla Valley. Winemaker Jean-François Pellet brings the Walla Walla Valley AVA to life with his hand crafted, terroir-driven wines. Made from the estate’s younger vines and utilizing more neutral oak, Amavi’s elegant wines are ready to drink upon release, but will also age gracefully in seri-ous collectors’ cellars. Amavi Cellars is owned and operated by three families: the McKibbens, the Goffs and the Pellets, who are dedicated to building their dynamic brand.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
FWIW
“The 2021 Wallla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon has smaller portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec blended in. Dried sage and black currant jelly combine with coffee grounds on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with herbal accents alongside lush dark fruits with a silky mouthfeel. Drink 2024-2034. 93pts.” O.B.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - $35 = 13.72%
Along with that OB review above we have WE:
91 points. Rarely do I encounter a wine where the amped-up acidity is matched by tannic structure as firm as a granite wall. I also enjoy the way the wine’s aromatic set comes off as similar to a slice of blueberry cheesecake. The flavors are brisker, with boysenberries, dates and orange zest holding court. — Michael Alberty 5/1/24
And the also mentioned JD review:
90 points. From the Walla Walla Valley and a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and splashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deeper ruby hue as well as solid aromatics of red and black plums, toasted spices, chocolate, and lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied, plush, nicely balanced, and enjoyable, with plenty of character. This comes primarily from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard yet includes smaller amounts from Summit View, Les Collines, and a few others. It was aged in a mix of French and American oak.
Winemaker Jean-François Pellet does a fabulous job with these Amavi Cellars releases, and these latest 2021s might be the finest I’ve tasted. All the wines come from the Walla Walla Valley, and while I thought his Cabernet Sauvignon was outstanding, it’s his Syrah releases that are the stars of the show! 7/10/24
Decanter:
92 points. Aromas of roast espresso, red cherry flesh and cinnamon introduce this Cabernet from five vineyard sites throughout the Walla Walla Valley. The palate is ripely fruited, and classically, Walla Walla Cabernet provides touches of savoury garrigue that frame concentrated kirsch, cassis and blackberry flavours. A flourish of mineral character is finished by baking chocolate, cinnamon and green peppercorn. Drink 2024 - 2032 Clive Pursehouse 2/28/24
Sorry for the delay on this one! I’m writing this quickly just to get it down.
Last night I popped and poured a glass through the aerator. Really lovely vanilla aroma that my better half commented on when entering the room.
It’s got some nice dark cherry that stays throughout and brightens at the end. It’s a tad bit astringent on the finish but that fades quickly. I’m not getting a ton of complexity but that’s AOK.
We’re not really cab folks but I’d be pleased if I ordered this blind at a restaurant.
I was in their locals club (Pepper Bridge plus Amavi) for a good long while before stopping because I have too much wine. Everything is well-made. This style is a bit more new world but it’s still restrained but delicious…just don’t need to sit on it forever like you do Pepper Bridge. It looks like I don’t have this vintage (or I didn’t add it to CT yet) so I’m definitely tempted.
Sorry for the delay, but dealing with a sick grandchild today. Plus helping out with a 2 month old grandchild. And other fun stuff … (including photo files not wanting to transfer) …
So … on with the show!
Early last week I was notified that the monkeys are sending a bottle, but evidently they liked it and didn’t want to ship it right away until last Friday. Bottle arrived on Monday, and I set it upright to settle a bit.
.
Front label:
.
Back label:
.
Got the chance to use my new Coravin:
.
FYI, my First “Gotcha” Cab was a Jordan Vineyards back in the early 80s. But it took another 20 years to really get into wine buying with WW. Which introduced me to Corison, Laura Michael (neè Zahtila), Scott Harvey, Ty Caton, Peter Wellington, and others. Favorites are those, along with Switchback Ridge, Conn Creek, and Concannon (yes @PetiteSirah, they do make yummy wines other than their PS! ).
So I do tend to favor big, bold Cabs. RPM (and others) helped expand my tastes, especially during the Magical Historical Tours (where I joined the Louis Martini club).
So, after the initial pour (a glass for my son and one for me), I used the aerator attachment for the Coravin to “age” the next glass. I also had poured a 2nd glass to let it decant for an hour on it’s own.
Results:
Loved using the Coravin, my pour tonight tasted the same as last night’s pours. Well, the 2nd pour, since I still was using the aerator attachment.
Aromas were vanilla & black fruits (black cherry, blackberry, some blueberry etc.), and taste was also black fruits (currant and cherry). My son and I felt the finish wasn’t long enough.
Light tannins, so this wine isn’t a big bold Cab. The winery price point is $40, which seems high to me. The Casemates prices seem in line with my tasting.
Overall, I ranked this wine an 88, but this would be a good wine to introduce a white wine drinker to Cabernet Sauvignon wines. It’s not as tannic as most Cabs.
I wouldn’t recommend putting this down for a far future celebration (like a grandchild’s 21st birthday), but it should be fine for a year or two.
I bought the 2017 Amavi Cab four years ago and I thought it was tannic at first but after letting the bottles rest 6 months I thought the wines were amazing.
The price is $5 more per bottle this time, that might be one of the reasons for the limited comments here.
I’m still buying a case based on my prior experience only.
2021 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley
90 Points ~ Jeb Dunnuck
Tasting Notes
THE VINEYARDS
THE VINTAGE
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$480.00/Case for 12x 2021 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley at Amavi Cellars
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Nov 25 - Tuesday, Nov 26
2021 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
4 bottles for $84.99 $21.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $219.99 $18.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Labrat notes tomorrow morning … technical diffikul5s …err, dufficluties … err, report tomorrow.
@MarkDaSpark Tardy tardy Rat, again…
@MarkDaSpark @rjquillin We are waiting.
@danandlisa @rjquillin
Sorry, sick grandchild.
FWIW
“The 2021 Wallla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon has smaller portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec blended in. Dried sage and black currant jelly combine with coffee grounds on the nose. The palate is dense and delicious with herbal accents alongside lush dark fruits with a silky mouthfeel. Drink 2024-2034. 93pts.” O.B.
Some great vineyard sources.
This sounds fantastic, definitely waiting on the rattage!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2021 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - $35 = 13.72%
Along with that OB review above we have WE:
91 points. Rarely do I encounter a wine where the amped-up acidity is matched by tannic structure as firm as a granite wall. I also enjoy the way the wine’s aromatic set comes off as similar to a slice of blueberry cheesecake. The flavors are brisker, with boysenberries, dates and orange zest holding court. — Michael Alberty 5/1/24
And the also mentioned JD review:
90 points. From the Walla Walla Valley and a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Malbec, and splashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deeper ruby hue as well as solid aromatics of red and black plums, toasted spices, chocolate, and lead pencil. It’s medium-bodied, plush, nicely balanced, and enjoyable, with plenty of character. This comes primarily from the Pepper Bridge Vineyard yet includes smaller amounts from Summit View, Les Collines, and a few others. It was aged in a mix of French and American oak.
Winemaker Jean-François Pellet does a fabulous job with these Amavi Cellars releases, and these latest 2021s might be the finest I’ve tasted. All the wines come from the Walla Walla Valley, and while I thought his Cabernet Sauvignon was outstanding, it’s his Syrah releases that are the stars of the show! 7/10/24
Decanter:
92 points. Aromas of roast espresso, red cherry flesh and cinnamon introduce this Cabernet from five vineyard sites throughout the Walla Walla Valley. The palate is ripely fruited, and classically, Walla Walla Cabernet provides touches of savoury garrigue that frame concentrated kirsch, cassis and blackberry flavours. A flourish of mineral character is finished by baking chocolate, cinnamon and green peppercorn. Drink 2024 - 2032 Clive Pursehouse 2/28/24
fwiw
Sorry for the delay on this one! I’m writing this quickly just to get it down.
Last night I popped and poured a glass through the aerator. Really lovely vanilla aroma that my better half commented on when entering the room.
It’s got some nice dark cherry that stays throughout and brightens at the end. It’s a tad bit astringent on the finish but that fades quickly. I’m not getting a ton of complexity but that’s AOK.
We’re not really cab folks but I’d be pleased if I ordered this blind at a restaurant.
I was in their locals club (Pepper Bridge plus Amavi) for a good long while before stopping because I have too much wine. Everything is well-made. This style is a bit more new world but it’s still restrained but delicious…just don’t need to sit on it forever like you do Pepper Bridge. It looks like I don’t have this vintage (or I didn’t add it to CT yet) so I’m definitely tempted.
Yep I got some…
Sorry for the delay, but dealing with a sick grandchild today.
Plus helping out with a 2 month old grandchild. 
And other fun stuff … (including photo files not wanting to transfer) …
So … on with the show!
Early last week I was notified that the monkeys are sending a bottle, but evidently they liked it and didn’t want to ship it right away until last Friday. Bottle arrived on Monday, and I set it upright to settle a bit.
).
.
Front label:
.
Back label:
.
Got the chance to use my new Coravin:
.
FYI, my First “Gotcha” Cab was a Jordan Vineyards back in the early 80s. But it took another 20 years to really get into wine buying with WW. Which introduced me to Corison, Laura Michael (neè Zahtila), Scott Harvey, Ty Caton, Peter Wellington, and others. Favorites are those, along with Switchback Ridge, Conn Creek, and Concannon (yes @PetiteSirah, they do make yummy wines other than their PS!
So I do tend to favor big, bold Cabs. RPM (and others) helped expand my tastes, especially during the Magical Historical Tours (where I joined the Louis Martini club).
So, after the initial pour (a glass for my son and one for me), I used the aerator attachment for the Coravin to “age” the next glass. I also had poured a 2nd glass to let it decant for an hour on it’s own.
Results:
Loved using the Coravin, my pour tonight tasted the same as last night’s pours. Well, the 2nd pour, since I still was using the aerator attachment.
Aromas were vanilla & black fruits (black cherry, blackberry, some blueberry etc.), and taste was also black fruits (currant and cherry). My son and I felt the finish wasn’t long enough.
Light tannins, so this wine isn’t a big bold Cab. The winery price point is $40, which seems high to me. The Casemates prices seem in line with my tasting.
Overall, I ranked this wine an 88, but this would be a good wine to introduce a white wine drinker to Cabernet Sauvignon wines. It’s not as tannic as most Cabs.
I wouldn’t recommend putting this down for a far future celebration (like a grandchild’s 21st birthday), but it should be fine for a year or two.
@MarkDaSpark Wonderful walk down WW Memory lane of winemakers.
I’d add Clark Smith to that winemaker HOF for the current Casemates site.
@forlich Forgot to mention Little Vineyards!
Turns out it’s Strep Throat. So she got a shot.
Sparky’s in the house!
I bought the 2017 Amavi Cab four years ago and I thought it was tannic at first but after letting the bottles rest 6 months I thought the wines were amazing.
The price is $5 more per bottle this time, that might be one of the reasons for the limited comments here.
I’m still buying a case based on my prior experience only.