Villa Creek Avenger Paso Robles 2020

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2020 Avenger also has more subtle aromatics but brings plenty of richness and texture. Darker fruits, cassis, ground pepper, and leather define the aromatics, and it has a great mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a terrific Syrah from a more challenging vintage. Count me impressed. The blend is 40% Syrah, 35% Carignan, 21% Petite Sirah, and the rest Grenache, from the MHAH Estate and Luna Matta vineyards, that spent 18 months in mostly neutral barrels. (9/26/22)"

94 points CellarTracker.com community score.

Producer notes: "38% Syrah, 36% Carignan, 20% Petite Sirah, 5% Grenache, 1% Mourvèdre. Inky violet stains the glass. A seductive nose complicated with boysenberry, baking spices, Szechuan pepper, graphite and tar. The palate is rich, powerful and seductive. Black fruits, cocoa, green olive tapenade and nori create a wonderful palate of umami. The attack is lively with great mid-palate followed by a complex seamless finish framed with sweet tannins that will soften with a few years in your cellar. Decanting for several hours in the near term is recommended but patience always pays off in spades. Drink: 2023-2040."