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 Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Inky violet. Highly perfumed, mineral-accented black/blue fruit liqueur, incense and potpourri scents take on exotic spice and licorice notes with aeration. Deeply concentrated but energetic as well, offering sappy blueberry, cassis, candied violet and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by smoky mineral and spice flourishes. The spicy note drives an impressively long, energetic finish, and chewy tannins provide shape and firming grip."