2019 Lydian (Avennia) Syrah

100% Syrah, aged in 100% neutral French oak for 14 months. Only 317 cases produced. Winemaking at Avennia is based on doing less in order to let the fruit speak for itself. With this approach, sourcing the finest fruit possible is paramount. Native yeast is used to ferment the wines, and they’re bottle unfined and unfiltered to preserve their complexity. 14.5% alcohol. Easily drinks like a wine double its price.

Tasting Notes

This  delivers plenty of classic Columbia Valley Syrah character, offering smoked meat, black olive and blackberry compote flavors. Medium-bodied with good freshness and a soft mouthfeel. Consume this great value over the next five to seven years.  

About Lydian Wines

Lydian Wines is a the new second label (2017 was their first vintage) from the folks behind Avennia, one of Washington’s most acclaimed new wineries. In music, “Lydian” refers to a mode, or scale that is used as a building block for some of the world’s oldest and newest masterpieces. This happy sounding mode brings joy on its own, yet when molded and crafted by talented musicians can become a work of timeless art. 

To that end, winemaker Chris Peterson (formerly of DeLille) crafts Lydian using many of the same building blocks as the lauded and innovative Avennia lineup. The resulting wines showcase the pure, vibrant fruit characteristic of Washington State, but at a price that brightens Tuesday night dinners at home. 

91 points, Vinous Media. "...offering smoked meat, black olive and blackberry compote flavors. Medium-bodied with good freshness and a soft mouthfeel."