Vinous Media 91
"Lurid red. Vibrant, sharply focused scents of ripe red berries and candied flowers are complicated by suggestions of cinnamon and allspice. Lithe and appealingly sweet on the palate, offering intense raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors that deepen and spread out with air. The floral note comes back strong on the clinging, spice-laced finish, which is given shape by harmonious, slow-building tannins. This wine delivers outstanding value and is an auspicious inaugural offering for this project, which is owned by the proprietors of California Pinot Noir specialist Banshee.” – Josh Raynolds"

About the Winery:
Always in pursuit of new expressions of terroir-driven Pinot Noir, our partners at Banshee Wines in Sonoma have ventured north to the Willamette Valley. It is here that they found many parallels to the characteristics that drive Sonoma’s premier winegrowing, including cold Pacific winds drawn through gaps in the coastal mountain ranges, and unique combinations of marine sedimentary and volcanic soils.

In 2015, alongside their original winemaker Adam Smith (who, while in Oregon, has made wine at Shea, Domaine Serene, and Nicolas-Jay) they made their first vintage of AVERÆN. Smith’s relationships in the Valley have quickly afforded AVERÆN privileged access to Oregon’s highest quality fruit at prices reflected in the great value of this first release. Sourced from throughout the Willamette Valley, spanning such sub-appellations as Yamhill-Carlton and Eola-Amity Hills, AVERÆN was fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel and neutral oak for 10 months.

Finding a Willamette Valley Pinot Noir of this quality – and at this price point – has been an ongoing trial of patience. This is the product of three years of development, and we’re excited to finally debut AVERÆN alongside Steve Graf at Friday’s sales meeting.