The 2018 growing season kicked off with a nice, even spring. July brought in hotter temperatures, as well as some smoke from surrounding fires. But by the second week of August, the weather cooled off considerably to usher in one of the most ideal ripening seasons in recent history. September brought beautiful, mild weather, offering the fruit several extra weeks to hang during long, sun-filled fall days. Harvest wrapped up on October 15th, producing wines that are balanced with great fruit expression. A harvest to remember, indeed!
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Varietals: 87% Syrah, 13% Grenache
Appellation: 100% Walla Walla Valley
Estate Vineyards: 32% Stone Valley, 25% Les Collines, 23% Seven Hills, 13% Summit View, 7% Pepper Bridge
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, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah
3 bottles for $54.99 $18.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $184.99 $15.42/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
By chance, I opened a bottle of 2014 Amavi Syrah for supper 6/8. It’s drinking very nicely. Hope the 2018 is as good. (BTW, a local store lists Amavi Syrah-- no vintage stated-- for 29.99, so the prices here look very good.)
I have a half case of the 2017 in the basement (plus a few of their cabs). I’d be all over this if I hadn’t been placed on a wine buying moratorium by my better half. Doubt folks will be disappointed with this wine.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018 Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah - $35 = 15.89%
@chipgreen Appreciate this smaller (“penalty”)* for getting the smaller order because I was just not up for another case (two boxes arrived last hour, one more coming tomorrow). But would really like to try this.
*Yes, as has been explained to me, a bigger value means bigger “discount” for a case, and that is the whole theme behind casemates, of course.
Very Good+ (90) Review date: February 21, 2021
Wine Review: This medium purple colored Syrah opens with a moist pipe tobacco bouquet with notes of blackberry and bacon. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and round. The flavor profile is acai berry, black plum and oak blend with notes of cocoa powder and gentle minerality. I also detected hints of baking spice. The finish is dry and its gentle tannins and flavors subtly fade away. This Syrah is food friendly and versatile. I would serve it with homemade meatloaf. Enjoy - Ken
@gtcharlie I envy you and @mm1 for upcoming trips to Walla Walla. Such a great place to visit. Been about a dozen years for me since last visit. I did spend a full week when I was there and it was easy to do. If you have time, check out the college that has a vit/enology program. When I was there they had a special event with tours and you could buy some of their “products” which were quite good.
@gtcharlie@jfuruno@mm1@mrn1 Yes that was it. Looks like just outdoor visits for now; when I went we actually got a tour of the labs and stuff.
And if you are there for a few days and need a break from drinking wine, there is a nice park with a lake just East of there (past the college I think), so on the outskirts of Walla Walla. It was a nice place for a walk, or actually we had bikes since we were in an RV, so explored by bike.
Hello Casemates! I was chosen as a rat but the bottle unfortunately hasn’t been able to make it to me yet. It says that Thursday evening delivery now so if I get it tomorrow I’ll try to post first impressions right away. Seems like a great wine!
Hello all, Eric from Amavi here. I’ve run several of these going wayyyy back and so didn’t want to bore you too much with my observations, but wanted to weigh in and thank you all for the kind words for our wine, winery, and Walla Walla in general. We had Fed Ex issues getting the rat bottles out, so enjoy them when you get them. I’ll check in periodically if anybody has any questions. Cheers!
Was at the Pepper Bridge/Amavi tasting room in Woodinville last month. Great wines! Definitely going to pick this up. @Winedavid49 any chance we can get Pepper Bridge on here again? Down to my last bottle of Trine, sadly.
@DanOR@suzanne17 Yes, please. I generally do not like Merlot that much. But when I tasted Northstar Merlot I realized I just hadn’t had a really good Merlot until then. (again, I just am not a Merlot person in general, so the bar is pretty high).
@DanOR@suzanne17 Yup, Northstar is good good stuff. Merf is a great winemaker and a good friend. Next door neighbor to Pepper Bridge, Amavi’s sister winery.
Opened and let sit in glass for about 15 minutes. Deep purple color.
I agree with most of the flavors mentioned in the above review. I’m not getting any bacon, but I do taste dark fruits, plum, currant, a little earthiness and minerality. This is a solid wine and the price point is more than fair.
It’s been open for about 4 and a half hours now. Just took another couple of sips. It’s a really nice wine. I notice a little more oak now but it is integrated very well.
Got this bottle around 5pm ET. Cooled to around 65F, couldn’t wait any longer.
First impressions:
Decanted the wine and poured 5 tasting portions. The long finish impressed everyone and had them saying “ this is an expensive wine right?”
Medium body, muted nose at first but cherries coming through after a bit of oxygen. Dark cherry, cinnamon, light spice in the finish. Elegant acidity. Mineral. Tannins should only get better over time. Long finish. Couldn’t pick up the cocoa but perhaps with more time.
Went fantastic with a charcuterie board. Made a land and sea duet: Petite Sirloin with roasted Brussels, and Seared Salmon with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. Paired quite well! Perfect with the steak, and better than expected with the salmon (perhaps the minerality?. Love the spice of the wine enhancing smoky tones. Pork chop with Chutney would also be great for this wine. We thoroughly enjoyed it and are in for a case. Thank you so much for the opportunity!
@davratoro Thanks for good write-up. And delicious dinner description … do you deliver?
I was really really trying to limit myself to the 3-btl order. But after that review with phrases like elegant acidity, mineral, enhancing smoky tones – it will be hard to resist getting a case.
2018 Amavi Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley
Tasting Notes
Vintage Notes
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$378/Case at Amavi Cellars for 12x 2019 Amavi Cellars Syrah, Walla Walla Valley
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jun 21
Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah
3 bottles for $54.99 $18.33/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $184.99 $15.42/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2018 Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah
By chance, I opened a bottle of 2014 Amavi Syrah for supper 6/8. It’s drinking very nicely. Hope the 2018 is as good. (BTW, a local store lists Amavi Syrah-- no vintage stated-- for 29.99, so the prices here look very good.)
I have a half case of the 2017 in the basement (plus a few of their cabs). I’d be all over this if I hadn’t been placed on a wine buying moratorium by my better half. Doubt folks will be disappointed with this wine.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018 Amavi Cellars Walla Walla Valley Syrah - $35 = 15.89%
@chipgreen Appreciate this smaller (“penalty”)* for getting the smaller order because I was just not up for another case (two boxes arrived last hour, one more coming tomorrow). But would really like to try this.
*Yes, as has been explained to me, a bigger value means bigger “discount” for a case, and that is the whole theme behind casemates, of course.
@chipgreen @pmarin Love it…get that out there before somebody jumps on you about it!
Well Ken says:
Very Good+ (90) Review date: February 21, 2021
Wine Review: This medium purple colored Syrah opens with a moist pipe tobacco bouquet with notes of blackberry and bacon. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced and round. The flavor profile is acai berry, black plum and oak blend with notes of cocoa powder and gentle minerality. I also detected hints of baking spice. The finish is dry and its gentle tannins and flavors subtly fade away. This Syrah is food friendly and versatile. I would serve it with homemade meatloaf. Enjoy - Ken
https://www.kenswineguide.com/wine_review/Amavi-2018-Walla-Walla-Syrah
fwiw
Heading to Walla Walla in September, and Amavi was on my radar. Based on info so far today, anyone in NE OH interested in a split? @chipgreen @boatman72 @pjmartin @marikar @lornadoonage
@mrn1 I’ll jump in for some. Others?
@mrn1 @pjmartin
I am good for 2 if that helps at all.
Definitely make it to Amavi. Beautiful balcony and excellent wine. September is a perfect time to be there too. Heading there myself on Sunday.
@gtcharlie I envy you and @mm1 for upcoming trips to Walla Walla. Such a great place to visit. Been about a dozen years for me since last visit. I did spend a full week when I was there and it was easy to do. If you have time, check out the college that has a vit/enology program. When I was there they had a special event with tours and you could buy some of their “products” which were quite good.
@mm1 @pmarin Going to be there for a week so will definitely try and check the college out. And agreed. Such a beautiful spot.
@gtcharlie @mm1 @pmarin Thanks for the tip on the college, I’ll definitely check it out!
@gtcharlie @mm1 @mrn1 @pmarin Since I hope to get up there at some point, are you referring to Walla Walla Community College? I love stuff like this.
@gtcharlie @mm1 @mrn1 @pmarin Looks like this is the place: https://collegecellars.com/
@gtcharlie @jfuruno @mm1 @pmarin Thanks! I’ll check it out!
@gtcharlie @jfuruno @mm1 @mrn1 Yes that was it. Looks like just outdoor visits for now; when I went we actually got a tour of the labs and stuff.
And if you are there for a few days and need a break from drinking wine, there is a nice park with a lake just East of there (past the college I think), so on the outskirts of Walla Walla. It was a nice place for a walk, or actually we had bikes since we were in an RV, so explored by bike.
@mrn1 @pmarin I just need a break from BUYING wine!
Amavi is an autobuy for me
Hello Casemates! I was chosen as a rat but the bottle unfortunately hasn’t been able to make it to me yet. It says that Thursday evening delivery now so if I get it tomorrow I’ll try to post first impressions right away. Seems like a great wine!
/giphy foul-bony-observation
And where is the winery? Hmmmm???
@tercerowines
You, and a very few others, are on the short list as the exceptions.
@tercerowines
Just a few posts down.
/giphy scary-unruly-bun
Sounds like my kind of Syrah!
Hello all, Eric from Amavi here. I’ve run several of these going wayyyy back and so didn’t want to bore you too much with my observations, but wanted to weigh in and thank you all for the kind words for our wine, winery, and Walla Walla in general. We had Fed Ex issues getting the rat bottles out, so enjoy them when you get them. I’ll check in periodically if anybody has any questions. Cheers!
@ericmcki Thanks Eric for checking in.
Was at the Pepper Bridge/Amavi tasting room in Woodinville last month. Great wines! Definitely going to pick this up. @Winedavid49 any chance we can get Pepper Bridge on here again? Down to my last bottle of Trine, sadly.
@suzanne17 I’ll add neighbor Northstar to the wish list. Merf makes tasty merlot.
@DanOR @suzanne17 Yes, please. I generally do not like Merlot that much. But when I tasted Northstar Merlot I realized I just hadn’t had a really good Merlot until then. (again, I just am not a Merlot person in general, so the bar is pretty high).
@DanOR @pmarin Love Northstar Merlot! Pepper Bridge Merlot is incredible as well!
@DanOR @suzanne17 Yup, Northstar is good good stuff. Merf is a great winemaker and a good friend. Next door neighbor to Pepper Bridge, Amavi’s sister winery.
@suzanne17 +1 for more Walla Walla in general.
I got my bottle at 2pm. Hoping to post this by 3.
Opened and let sit in glass for about 15 minutes. Deep purple color.
I agree with most of the flavors mentioned in the above review. I’m not getting any bacon, but I do taste dark fruits, plum, currant, a little earthiness and minerality. This is a solid wine and the price point is more than fair.
My wife also thinks this is delicious.
Thanks for the opportunity to be a lab rat!
@kevo152 Thanks for drinking in the afternoon to get the rat report posted. Much appreciated
@kevo152 Thanks for review. If you get to update it later in evening, there’s still time to push a few more of us over the edge…
It’s been open for about 4 and a half hours now. Just took another couple of sips. It’s a really nice wine. I notice a little more oak now but it is integrated very well.
@WCCWineGirl It was a nice afternoon treat.
Got this bottle around 5pm ET. Cooled to around 65F, couldn’t wait any longer.
First impressions:
Decanted the wine and poured 5 tasting portions. The long finish impressed everyone and had them saying “ this is an expensive wine right?”
Medium body, muted nose at first but cherries coming through after a bit of oxygen. Dark cherry, cinnamon, light spice in the finish. Elegant acidity. Mineral. Tannins should only get better over time. Long finish. Couldn’t pick up the cocoa but perhaps with more time.
Went fantastic with a charcuterie board. Made a land and sea duet: Petite Sirloin with roasted Brussels, and Seared Salmon with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. Paired quite well! Perfect with the steak, and better than expected with the salmon (perhaps the minerality?. Love the spice of the wine enhancing smoky tones. Pork chop with Chutney would also be great for this wine. We thoroughly enjoyed it and are in for a case. Thank you so much for the opportunity!
@davratoro Thanks for good write-up. And delicious dinner description … do you deliver?
I was really really trying to limit myself to the 3-btl order. But after that review with phrases like elegant acidity, mineral, enhancing smoky tones – it will be hard to resist getting a case.
/giphy forthright-titled-foot
/giphy snarky-fiery-bobcat
