SMELLS LIKE: black currants, dried herbs, blackberry, cassis, baking spices
TASTES LIKE: dark chocolate-covered strawberries, black cherry, black plum
MOUTHFEEL: mouthwatering acidity, lush tannin structure
DRINK WITH: blackberry glazed ribs, pasta Bolognese
The 2022 Vintage
The 2022 growing season began with below-average temperatures and above-normal precipitation across the Walla Walla Valley. The cold start resulted in fewer growing days for the spring and early summer overall, but the extra rainfall and mountain snowpack prepared the area for multiple triple-digit days beginning in July.
The heat contributed to optimal fruit set and a slightly larger crop. With an idyllic September and October, the grapes were able to develop a perfect balance between flavor and sugar, acid and tannin, and overall great fruit expression.
Viticulture
100% estate, sustainably farmed
Founding member of VINEA
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 serious 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, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2022 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - $65 = 20.63%
Wine Review Online:
92 points. Part of the Pepper Bridge family which in my experience makes classic age-worthy Walla Walla Cabernets, Amavi Cabernets, made by the same winemaker, need less cellar time which makes them excellent values. The blend for this 2022 was 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc with splashes of Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The aroma is a beautiful mix of blackberry and cassis with some dried herbs and spice. Black fruits along with subtle tobacco and light dusty tannin are central flavors. Nicely balanced and savory, this Cabernet drinks well now and should continue to impress through 2028. Norm Roby 10/29/25
Owen Bargreen:
93 points. The 2022 ‘Wallla Walla’ Cabernet Sauvignon has smaller portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec blended in. This was entirely sourced from the Pepper Bridge and Summit View Vineyards. Anise and green herbs mark the nose alongside iodine and tar notes. The palate is refined and beautifullytextured with great flavor density and weight. 9/25
Suckling:
This spicy and lively red has aromas of black fruit, black olives and licorice. It’s full-bodied, sleek and bright, with fine tannins and a savory finish. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 5% merlot, 3% malbec and 2% petit verdot. Drink now or hold. 3/25
Jeb Dunnuck dot com:
90 points. There is 10% Cabernet Franc and smaller amounts of Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot in the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is dark black in color, inky and concentrated. The full-bodied core of the wine is rich in bold black fruit, with earthy accents of cedar, tobacco, and tomato leaf. Its savory style of refined power, led by big tannins and oak, lead to an impressively long finish. Drink over the next 8-12 years, 2025 - 2037. Virginie Boone 7/10/25
Sorry for the delay - I’m on a road trip! Upon opening and the first night, this wine had jammy strawberry and cherry notes with a strong oak and vanilla flavor. The first night we also noted a higher acidity. The second day the acidity dropped and the fruit came to the front of the flavors, with less oak and more of a cranberry flavor. Both nights it had very light tannins and lighter body for a cab. We could definitely tell it was from walla walla, with the fruit and earthiness really coming through and a lighter drinking wine. We prefer a fuller bodied and more tannic cab, so probably won’t be a buy for us but as always appreciate the opportunity to taste and review. Here’s some doggo pics:
2022 Amavi Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley
Winemaker Notes:
The 2022 Vintage
Viticulture
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$504.00/Case for 12x 2022 Amavi 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, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Nov 24 - Wednesday, Nov 26
2022 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
4 bottles for $104.99 $26.25/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $249.99 $20.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Previous offer:
11/6/24 (2021)
I’m a fan of Amavi, purchased a few cases over the years. Any chance there’s info on how long it’s been in oak? 18 months? Less? More?
@mattykillpatty
Hello there. This was picked in October of 2022 and bottled in March of 2023, so about 17 months. 20% new oak, so a light touch.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2022 Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon - $65 = 20.63%
Anyone in Atlanta interested in a split? Cellar is full but I love, love Amavi cab!
@winstoncharles sounds like someone needs a bigger cellar! lol
@winstoncharles I’m in the ATL in Decatur. I’d be interested in splitting a case.
And, yes, consider a larger cellar.
Happy Sunny Saturday…
Wine Review Online:
92 points. Part of the Pepper Bridge family which in my experience makes classic age-worthy Walla Walla Cabernets, Amavi Cabernets, made by the same winemaker, need less cellar time which makes them excellent values. The blend for this 2022 was 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc with splashes of Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The aroma is a beautiful mix of blackberry and cassis with some dried herbs and spice. Black fruits along with subtle tobacco and light dusty tannin are central flavors. Nicely balanced and savory, this Cabernet drinks well now and should continue to impress through 2028. Norm Roby 10/29/25
Owen Bargreen:
93 points. The 2022 ‘Wallla Walla’ Cabernet Sauvignon has smaller portions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec blended in. This was entirely sourced from the Pepper Bridge and Summit View Vineyards. Anise and green herbs mark the nose alongside iodine and tar notes. The palate is refined and beautifullytextured with great flavor density and weight. 9/25
Suckling:
This spicy and lively red has aromas of black fruit, black olives and licorice. It’s full-bodied, sleek and bright, with fine tannins and a savory finish. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 5% merlot, 3% malbec and 2% petit verdot. Drink now or hold. 3/25
Jeb Dunnuck dot com:
90 points. There is 10% Cabernet Franc and smaller amounts of Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot in the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is dark black in color, inky and concentrated. The full-bodied core of the wine is rich in bold black fruit, with earthy accents of cedar, tobacco, and tomato leaf. Its savory style of refined power, led by big tannins and oak, lead to an impressively long finish. Drink over the next 8-12 years, 2025 - 2037. Virginie Boone 7/10/25
fwiw
Hello all. Happy day after Halloween. Thanks for trying our wine. I’ll be popping in and out if you have any questions. Cheers!
Sorry for the delay - I’m on a road trip! Upon opening and the first night, this wine had jammy strawberry and cherry notes with a strong oak and vanilla flavor. The first night we also noted a higher acidity. The second day the acidity dropped and the fruit came to the front of the flavors, with less oak and more of a cranberry flavor. Both nights it had very light tannins and lighter body for a cab. We could definitely tell it was from walla walla, with the fruit and earthiness really coming through and a lighter drinking wine. We prefer a fuller bodied and more tannic cab, so probably won’t be a buy for us but as always appreciate the opportunity to taste and review. Here’s some doggo pics: