Avennia Justine Red Blend 2012 49% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache, 23% Syrah

Justine reflects our belief that Washington is capable of producing world class blends of grape varieties traditional to the Southern Rhone region of France. The name is inspired by one of the great heroines of recent literature, who also sprung from the imagination of the Mediterranean. Dark, seductive, complex, with a chasm of depth: The Justine is a great reflection of Avennia's mission of expression, and Washington's generous terroir.

2012 Justine Tasting Note: Big black cherry, blackberry, hints of orange peel, fresh herbs and loam on the nose. Plush and round on the palate. Dark earthy fruits from the Mourvedre, along with citrus high notes, mountain flowers, jasmine, and savory herbs. Balanced and complex without forgetting its hedonistic roots in the Southern Rhone.

Review:

"The Rhone-inspired 2012 Justine is 49% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache and 23% Syrah that saw 15% whole cluster fermentation and no new oak. Structured, firm and muscular, it gives up plenty of peppery herbs, mineral, iron, beef blood and black cherry to go with a medium to full-bodied, savory profile on the palate. It will need a few years to chill out on release, yet have upwards of 15 years or so of total longevity."
- Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate (Issue 213, June 2014), 91-93+ pts