Villa Creek 2021 'Avenger' Red Rhone Blend, Paso Robles

Villa Creek 2021 'Avenger' Red Rhone Blend, Paso Robles

Item Number: 19193

UPC: 0-735202001103

Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Central Coast
Appellation/AVA: Paso Robles
Estate Grown Wine: No
Vintage: 2021
Grape(s): 42% Syrah / 23% Mourvèdre / 21% Grenache / 9% Petite Sirah / 5% Carignan
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.9
Viticulture: Certified Organic
Case Production: 522

Winemaking Notes: The Villa Creek winery is a Demeter Biodynamic and CCOF organic certified facility. As biodynamic standards allow for minimal sulfur use and organic yeasts, these are used only when required, not as common practice. Their preference is to always allow their unique native yeasts the opportunity to flourish. All grape clusters are manually harvested and double sorted by hand on vibrating sorting tables. Native yeast fermented in a selection of concrete and stainless steel with alternating pump overs and punch downs for desired extraction. Basket pressed into a selection of French and Hungarian barrels (10% new). Aged for 20 months before bottling.

Tasting Notes: A super yummy concoction where all 5 cast members nail their roles: Syrah, the friendly big guy. Mourvèdre, the introspective philosopher. Petite Sirah, the strong silent type, Grenache, complex and cerebral and Carignan, that character that always keeps you guessing. Seductive aromatics of bramble berry, tobacco and new saddle leather coax you to a palate that is medium to full bodied. Filled with complex notions of fresh baked bread, blackberry preserves, pepper and cocoa, it finishes with ample structure and complimenting tannins topped with a dash of umami. Built for the long haul, it is quite approachable out of the chute.

Vineyard Notes: Villa Creek wines are made with grapes grown on their home estate, MAHA, and with grapes from vineyards that meet their growing criteria of being certified organic and/or biodynamic or practicing organic farming methods. Currently their vineyard sources include MAHA, James Berry, and Kirk-Landry.

Reviews

  • The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 91 (10/15/2023)
    Boldly structured and rather muscular, this blend is full of personality, offering blackberry, grilled anise, cured meat and lots of freshly cracked pepper. Reveals big tannins on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2032.
  • Jeb Dunnuck
    Rating: 94 (8/30/2023)
    Blueberries, darker cherries, pepper, and leafy herbs all emerge from the 2021 Avenger, a medium to full-bodied blend based on 42% Syrah, 23% Mourvèdre, 21% Grenache, 9% Petite Sirah, and the rest Carignan. This beauty has terrific purity, ripe yet building tannins, outstanding balance, and a great finish.
  • Vinous
    Rating: 95 (3/10/2023)

    The 2021 Avenger is youthfully restrained in the glass, floral and earth-driven. A burst of intense crushed blackberry and wild herbs adds amazing complexity. It's silky-smooth with cooling mineral tones and acidity, along with tart raspberry fruits that penetrate deeply. This leaves a pleasant inner sweetness, finishing with a gentle grip and staying power. I love the combination of energy, tension and balanced structure.