Bottle Notes, Syrah

2007 Reynvaan Syrah The Contender – Bottle Notes

Reynvaan Family Vineyards is a small family owned winery started by Mike and Gale Reynvaan in May of 2004 in Walla Walla, Washington. They initially purchased a 37 acre parcel of land on Cottonwood Road at the base of the Blue Mountains. Their son Matt is the winemaker and Christophe Baron of Cayuse has served as a consultant. Reynvaan Family Vineyards is dedicated to creating fine wines exclusively from the terroir of Walla Walla Valley.

From the inaugural 2007 vintage, The Contender, is Syrah co-fermented with Marsanne. The fruit is from the “In the Rocks” vineyard.

Crimson in color. 13.99% ABV. Funky nose of iron, blood, cherries and bacon. Medium body and low acidity. Concentrated and complex with a unique sense of weight on the palate. Flavors of cherry, olive brine, soy and grilled meats. Stunning finish. There is so much to like here and the wines are simply getting better every year. Like Cayuse, I suspect this wine will age effortlessly. Drink over the next 2-3 years.

My rating: 94 points.

The Reynvaan mailing list is not quite full. Well connected buyers can find the wines at retail. One of the most exciting wineries in Washington. Proceed accordingly.

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