Villa Creek 2021 Avenger, Paso Robles

96 points                                                          Villa Creek Cellars grew from the intent by Cris and JoAnn Cherry to make a house wine for their restaurant of the same name. Now they produce some of the most highly regarded, and rated, wines in Paso Robles.  Avenger is the red blend that launched Villa Creek Cellars in 2001. Syrah from G2 Vineyard is the backbone of this wine. G2 is a stone’s throw from James Berry Vineyard in the Willow Creek district of the west hills of Paso Robles. 95 Points Wine Enthusiast: "Intensely rich and layered aromas of roasted plum, blackberry, melted dark chocolate and turned earth draw the nose deeply into the blend of 42% Syrah, 23% Mourvèdre, 24% Grenache, 9% Petite Sirah and 5% Carignan. The mouthfeel is alluringly creamy and yet firmly texture on the edges, carrying lush flavors of baking spice and roasted fruit, but with a lingering brightness that extends through the finish. 91 Points Wine Spectator: "Boldly structured and rather muscular, this blend is full of personality, offering blackberry, grilled anise, cured meat and lots of freshly cracked pepper. Reveals big tannins on the finish. Needs time. Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Carignan. Best from 2025 through 2032. 522 cases made. " Year in and out Avenger is the wine you can take to a party and show off to your friends. It has plenty of complexity for the enthusiast, but also a yummy factor that hits the spot for the newbies. This vintage brings both in spades. The dark magenta color entices you into an intoxicating nose of vanilla, bramble berry, cinnamon, graphite and violets. A gorgeous mid-palate folds in flavors of grilled plums, browned butter, salted caramels and curing spices, transitioning to a seamless finish framed with fine tannins.  Perfect for pairing with grilled steaks, braised meats, lamb, and hearty dishes, this wine is ideal for those who appreciate full-bodied, Rhône-inspired blends with concentration and elegance.