"In the top handful of wines in the vintage, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Willow Vineyard is a tiny-production release that comes from a single parcel in the Red Willow Vineyard in the Yakima Valley. Unfortunately, there are just 100 cases made, but it is a sensational wine. Cassis, graphite, crushed rocks and lead pencil characteristics all emerge from the glass, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, first-growth-like purity, fine tannin and a great, great finish. Bravo! - Jeb Dunnuck."
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #231, June 2017), 97 pts
"(a selection of four new barrels from a 1985 planting; bottled in June): Bright ruby-red. Explosive aromas of red- and blackcurrant complicated by a leafy Médoc-like quality. Densely packed, saline, classic Cabernet; thick but not hot, even in this very warm vintage. Flavors of cassis, cocoa powder and saline minerality are enlivened by judicious acidification. The 100% new oak does not at all overshadow the wine's fruit. Finishes tactile, savory and long, with substantial broad tannins. Chris Peterson describes this wine as "our chance to make a blockbuster Cabernet."- Stephen Tanzer"
"The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Willow is an incredible wine that’s up with some of the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon made in Washington State. Made from 100% Cabernet aged in new French oak, it offers a seamless, layered, full-bodied style to go with awesome notes of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, and hints of tobacco. Possessing remarkable purity of fruit, building tannin, and a rich yet elegant profile, it needs 3-4 years of bottle age and will shine for two decades! Hats off to winemaker Chris Peterson. There are only 100 cases produced."
"The Avennia ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon is another sensational bottling from this esteemed Washington winery. Needing about an hour in the decanter to unwind, once aroused this unveils wonderful red bell pepper, creosote, sandalwood and shades of mocha with cassis that all entice on the nose. The palate is silky smooth, delivering polished tannins and good brightness as well as a soft, downright sexy mouthfeel. The texture continues to impress as the seamless quality of the wine really shines. This finishes long with black fruits and minerals. Exciting, energetic and downright delicious in its youth, the ‘Red Willow Vineyard’ Cabaret Sauvignon will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another fifteen years. Drink 2020-2038. -Owen Bargreen"