What follows is an excerpt for the 2008 Walla Walla Holiday Barrel Tasting Report. Read the full report here.

Amavi’s name comes from a combination of the Latin root words, “am” (love) and “vi” (life). Sharing a winemaker and vineyards with Pepper Bridge Winery, Amavi produces excellent red wines at reasonable prices. All wines sampled at 69 degrees.

Wines:

Score

Name

Notes

$

+

Semillon Columbia Valley 2007

Orange peel, mineral, and a light smoky component. A very pleasing, enjoyable wine. All stainless steel fermentation. 100% Semillon. 13.95% alcohol. 576 cases produced.

$20

*

Cabernet Sauvignon Walla Walla Valley 2006

White pepper, tobacco, and baking spices on an expressive nose. A gorgeous wine with a big, plush taste and beautifully smooth tannins. 14.1% alcohol. 3,941 cases produced.

$28

*

Syrah Walla Walla Valley 2006

A gripping, gamey wine with lots of berry up front and a dark fruit core. A very long finish with pipe tobacco. 14.1% alcohol. 1,422 cases produced.

$28

*

Syrah Les Collines Vineyard 2007

A gigantic syrah with bacon fat, berry, and gamey aromas. A chewy, multiple swallow wine with cured meat on the taste. Give 3 plus years or extended decanting upon release.

BS

**

Syrah Les Collines Vineyard 2006

Packed with intensity on the nose with grilled meat and berry. More refined on the taste than the 2007 vintage. Overall, an intense wine that is loaded with power.

NA

+

Late Harvest Semillon 2008

Super sweet, thick dessert wine. Nose has a slightly sherried smell to it.

NA