Avennia Justine Red Blend Yakima Valley 2011 is made from 46% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 24% Syrah.
Vineyards: 46% Alder Ridge Grenache
                 30% Kiona Heart of the Hill Mourvedre
                 24% Angela’s Vineyard Syrah—Clone 383.
Ageing: 16 months in neutral French Oak.
Fermentation: 15% whole cluster with native yeast.

Review:

The 2011 Justine is a new wine that’s a southern Rhone-like blend of 46% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 24% Syrah -- fermented with 15% whole cluster -- that spent 16 months in neutral French oak. Coming from the Alder Ridge (Grenache), Kiona (Mourvedre) and Angela’s (Syrah) Vineyards, it is an impressive blend that offers deep black cherry and assorted dark fruits, pepper, underbrush and ripe herbal qualities on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, textured and with clean, integrated acidity, it should be reasonably approachable on release and have 7-8 years or more of longevity. Drink now-2019.

Founded by Chris Peterson (winemaker and formerly of DeLille Cellars) and Marty Taucher, and releasing their first vintage in 2010, this Woodinville-based operation needs to be on everyone’s radar. The wines are superb across the board and while they have solid fruit, they stress purity and elegance, with vibrant cores of acidity. The 2011 reds are also superb across the board. Slightly less concentrated than the 2010s, they have excellent mid-palate depth, ripe tannin structure and plenty of texture.-Wine Advocate #207 Jun 2013 91-93 Points
 

Winery Notes:

Justine reflects our belief that Washington can produce world class wines using grape varieties traditional to the Rhone Valley. Dark, seductive, complex, with a chasm of depth: Justine reflects Avennia’s mission of expressing Washington’s complex terroirs.

A beguiling blend of aromas: black raspberry and mulberry at its core, with hints of jasmine, and bergamot. This uplifting nose runs counterpoint to the palate, where the Mourvedre and Syrah lend a gravitas of black fruits, grilled meat, and herbs. This complex wine finishes with a swirling vortex of dark fruits and echoes of lavender. Delicious now, yet also built and balanced for 7-10 years of age.