Villa Creek Avenger Paso Robles 2021

95 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "The 2021 Avenger is youthfully restrained in the glass, floral and earth-driven. A burst of intense crushed blackberry and wild herbs adds amazing complexity. It's silky-smooth with cooling mineral tones and acidity, along with tart raspberry fruits that penetrate deeply. This leaves a pleasant inner sweetness, finishing with a gentle grip and staying power. I love the combination of energy, tension and balanced structure. The Avenger is a blend of 42% Syrah, 23% Mourvèdre, 21% Grenache, 9% Petite Sirah and 5% Carignan that matures for fourteen months in 19% new French oak. Drink: 2025-2035. (May 2023)"

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$69 list] 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. Alcohol 14.9%. (Jul 2023)"

94+ points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 The Avenger is a blend of 38% Syrah, 36% Carignan, 20% Petite Sirah, 5% Grenache and 1% Mourvèdre. It was vinified with 25% whole clusters and matured for 14 months in 20% new French and Hungarian oak. The nose is bursting with cassis and blueberries, plus accents of milk chocolate, tar and garrigue. The medium-bodied palate features generous, dark fruit, vibrant acidity, a frame of chalky tannins and a long, floral finish. It will benefit from 3-5+ years in bottle. Drink: 2025-2040. (Dec 2023)"

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Blueberries, darker cherries, pepper, and leafy herbs all emerge from the 2021 Avenger, a medium to full-bodied blend based on 42% Syrah, 23% Mourvèdre, 21% Grenache, 9% Petite Sirah, and the rest Carignan. This beauty has terrific purity, ripe yet building tannins, outstanding balance, and a great finish. (Aug 2023)"

Producer notes: "42% Syrah, 23% Mourvèdre, 21% Grenache, 9% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignan. A super yummy concoction where all 5 cast members nail their roles: Syrah, the friendly big guy. Mourvèdre, the introspective philosopher. Petite Sirah, the strong silent type, Grenache, complex and cerebral and Carignan, that character that always keeps you guessing. Seductive aromatics of brambleberry, tobacco and new saddle leather coax you to a palate that is medium to full bodied. Filled with complex notions of fresh baked bread, blackberry preserves, pepper and cocoa, it finishes with ample structure and complimenting tannins topped with a dash of umami. Built for the long haul, it is quite approachable out of the chute. Drink 2023-2033."