Villa Creek Cellars Avenger 2022 750ml

Product Info

94+ pts Vinous
The 2022 Avenger mixes savory and sweet, as a cascade of blackberries and plums comes together with dark earth tones, sage and hints of balsamic spice. This is cool-toned in feel, with silky textures that are quickly contrasted by tart wild berry fruits and crunchy mineral tones. A web of fine-grained tannins defines the finish, offset by a bump of residual acidity as violet inner florals and liquid lavender tones slowly fade. Despite the warmth of the vintage, the 2022 Avenger comes across as totally classic in feel. This is a blend of 50% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 17% Grenache, 12% Petite Sirah and 1% Mourvèdre that finishes at a responsible 14.5% abv.

94pts Jeb Dunnuck
Always Syrah-dominated, the 2022 Avenger is based on 50% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 17% Grenache, 12% Petite Sirah, 1% Mourvèdre that was 75% destemmed and brought up in 20% new French and Hungarian oak. Ripe blackberries, flowery incense, pepper, and sandalwood notes all shine on the nose, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, round, lush, and polished, with plenty of richness yet a weightless mouthfeel. Drink bottles through 2034.

Terroir & Vineyard
The Avenger is crafted by Villa Creek Cellars in the Paso Robles region of California’s Central Coast. For the 2022 vintage, the blend reflects a high-quality estate sourcing of Rhône-style varieties: 50% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 17% Grenache, 12% Petite Sirah and 1% Mourvèdre. The vineyards benefit from the terrain and climate of Paso Robles – significant diurnal variation (warm days, cooler nights) and well-drained soils contribute to concentration and structure in the vines.

Winemaking
The 2022 Avenger was approximately 75% destemmed before fermentation and matured in about 20% new French and Hungarian oak. The style aims for texture and age-worthiness while preserving freshness and varietal character. The “Avenger” label is described by the winery as their “gateway wine” that nonetheless delivers serious depth, intended to appeal to both novice and experienced drinkers.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Rich ox-blood to dark ruby colour in the glass, indicating depth of extraction and ripeness.
• Aroma: A seductive mix of dark fruits—blackberries, plums—layered with smoked meats, sweet tobacco, Moroccan spice, sandalwood notes and a hint of licorice.
• Palate: Medium-to-full bodied. The fruit core is plush—dark berries, black cherry, bramble—interwoven with savoury elements: smoked bacon fat, caramelised plum, mineral grit and a peppery spice. Fine yet sturdy tannins provide structure, and the oak is integrated to support rather than dominate.
• Finish: Long, with persistence of dark fruit, spice, and a mineral-tinged undercurrent. The wine shows both richness and precision, indicating it’s built to develop further in the cellar.

Structure & Ageing Potential

Given its blend, vineyard sourcing, and winemaking regime, the 2022 Avenger is drinkable now (especially with some decanting) but it will also reward medium-term cellaring (5-10 years or more). The tannin and acid framework are in place for evolution. The Wine Enthusiast described the analogous 2021 vintage as having a “chalky stiffness … yet a suave, forgiving mouthfeel”.

Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions

• Serving temperature: Around 16-18 °C (60-64 °F). Decanting 30-45 minutes is advisable to allow the aromatics to open and tannins to ease.
• Food pairings include:
• Char-grilled rib-eye steak, or tomahawk cut with herb butter.
• Roasted lamb leg with rosemary and garlic.
• Hearty stews (beef or game) with root vegetables and red wine reduction.
• Mature hard cheeses (aged Gouda, Pecorino), or charcuterie boards with smoked meats and concentrated flavours.