Vinous Media 90
"Limpid ruby-red. Ripe, spice-accented cherry and boysenberry scents, along with hints of woodsmoke, mocha and camphor. Fleshy and seamless in texture, offering gently sweet dark berry, mint and spicecake flavors that become livelier with aeration. Closes smooth and smoky, featuring repeating cherry character and gentle tannins that come in late.
-- 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 2016, 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.