Today’s Amavi Cellars 2012 Walla Walla Valley Syrah is a fantastic wine that really took our tasting panel by surprise. This wine is big, dark and juicy, with great balance and plenty of character. The wine is so good that Agent Red vows to return to Walla Walla in search of other fantastic examples of the varietal.

Today’s wine was crafted by third generation winegrower Jean-François Pellet. After graduating with degrees in both enology and viticulture, Jean-François made wines in France and Spain - before taking the winemaking posting at Napa Valley’s fabled Heitz Cellars. When presented with the opportunity to partner in Amavi Cellars, Jean-François jumped - and never looked back.

The unique climate, distinct soils and geography of the winery presented an exciting and intriguing opportunity that Jean-François could not resist. Today he applies his passion and experience to making some of the best wines in Walla Walla, both for Amavi Cellars and its sister winery Pepperbridge Winery.

Here’s what Robert Parker had to say about today’s wine:

“Big, rich and voluptuously styled, the 2012 Syrah is another wine that shows the vintage nicely. Medium to full-bodied, with fabulous fruit and texture, it boasts loads of plum, blackberry, licorice, singed herbs and hints of meat in its forward, very drinkable personality. …should continue to impress through 2020. As always, the Amavi Cellars releases represent superb values.” 90 points Robert Parker, Wine Advocate.