Since I’m in California for a month, I’ve been trying to explore wines from all parts of California and the US. I found this Washington State GSM, so I decided to see how it compares to a Priorat Garnacha based wine.
Most of my experience with Washington State has been Bordeaux varietals, but I’ve also had some Syrah. This is the first Grenache based blend I’ve had from Washington. This comes from the Yakima Valley, a growing AVA within the Columbia Valley. About a third of the state’s vines are planted here, and it produces many different varietals, including Chardonnay, Bordeaux varietals, Syrah and Riesling.
Avennia is a relatively small and new producer. Their first vintage was in 2010. They source all their grapes from other vineyards. They take a minimalist approach. Native yeasts are used. There’s no fining. This particular cuvee “Justine” was aged in 80% neutral French oak and 20% concrete eggs. Around 15% of the stems are included. Only 310 cases were made. The 2018 vintage is a blend of 61% Grenache, 23% Mourvedre and 16% Syrah. I found it for $35 at K&L.
I’ve already discussed the history of Priorat in a previous post about Carignan. The 2016 Clos I Terrasses Laurel comes from one of the original 5 producers that revived Priorat, Daphne Glorian of Clos Erasmus. It’s 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It spends 16 months in a mix of concrete, oak and amphora. They use biodynamic practices. Laurel is the second wine of Clos I Terrasses. It’s made the same way as their main wine, Clos Erasmus, but a few barrels are taken from their main wine and mixed with younger vines. The winemaker is Ester Nin-Ortiz. Less than 2,000 cases are made. I found this for $40 at Hi-Time Wine Cellars.
Tasting Notes
2018 Avennia “Justine” Yakima Valley
This is so smooth. It glides easily across the palate. No hard edges at all. It expresses dark red fruit and lots of rosey floral notes. It actually reminds me of some top Sonoma California Pinot in its elegance, floral side and ripe darker red fruit. It has a lot of modern appeal with its fruit, silky tannins and round texture. I could use more acid personally, but I don’t think anyone would be disappointed with this wine. 92
2016 Clos I Terrasses Laurel Priorat
Compared to the Washington State GSM, this comes off as showing a lot of minerality on the nose and palate giving it a savory appeal. There’s also ripe berry fruit but with good acid and a light texture. The Washington State one is creamier while this is thinner. At the same time, the Laurel has more tannic structure. Over time purple flower notes come. You get the fruit, elegance and floral nature of the Washington State GSM but also minerality, acidity and just overall more complexity. I’m really impressed by this wine. It never feels big or hot like many Priorat can even though it’s around 15% alcohol. On the second day there’s some spice and herbs. The tannins are still present. Better for aging than the Justine. 94
