Amavi
Cabernet Sauvignon 05
received 92 points
from Wine Spectator.
And "Smart Buy"

Amavi
Cabernet Sauvignon 05 $23.95/$21.55

Wine Spectator says: "Ripe and rich, a full-bodied, generous Cabernet Sauvignon that focuses its dark-toned berry, black olive and pepper flavors beautifully. The tannins are present on the finish but can't stop the fruit."

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is beautifully structured and complex yet softly layered and appealing throughout. The wine is pleasantly aromatic with the essence of ripe berries and a light earthiness, and the flavors are well integrated. Dark fruit and cassis flavors are followed by hints of dry herbs, chocolate and spice.

This years vintage is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 9% Syrah and 1% Malbec. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of the blend, adding structure and body, while the Merlot adds flavor and depth. The small amount of Syrah increases the overall softness while the Malbec adds a nice touch of earth.

DeLille Cellars
Doyenne Aix 05
received 93 points from Wine Spectator and is rated as "Highly Recommended" in the June 15 2008 Wine Spectator Advance.

Wine Spectator says: The DeLille Aix 05 is "Ripe, focused and beguiling for the espresso and caramel notes that swirl through the dark plum and currant fruit, remaining focused and vibrant through the long finish. Time in the cellar should polish the tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Mourvedre. Best from 2009 through 2015. - H.S.

DeLille Cellars
Doyenne Aix 05 $33.26/$36.95

The 2005 DeLille Cellars Doyenne Aix exhibits a spicy, floral and peppery Syrah nose with flavors of juicy black raspberries, blueberries, cherries and ripe, black olives. This Aix is generous, fleshy, seductive and delicious with round juicy flavors.

Varietal Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon 48% Syrah 2% Mourvèdre
Vineyard Breakdown: 36% Ciel du Cheval Cabernet Sauvignon 14% Kiona Cabernet Sauvignon 27% Ciel du Cheval Syrah 21% Kiona Syrah 2% Ciel Du Cheval Mourvèdre 100% Red Mountain AVA

Ten Best Under $20 NW Wines

May/June 2008

Every few months, we offer our choices for the ten best under $20 wines from the Pacific Northwest. Our criteria? Best quality and value. Reliability of the winery. Consistency from bottle to bottle and vintage to vintage. Wines that are ready to drink. Wines that we say WOW about. Here are our May/June 2008 selections.