Bottle Notes, Syrah

2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah Foothills Reserve – Bottle Notes

The 2012 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Syrah Foothills Reserve was the winning bottle in the May Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wines was not decanted and I served it with steaks off the grill.

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.

The “Foothills in the Sun” Vineyard is located at the base of Blue Mountain on the Washington / Oregon border. The vineyard is planted with Syrah, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon and is one of the highest elevation vineyards in Washington.

Crimson in color. 13.3% ABV. Intriguing nose of red fruits, soy sauce, seaweed and olive brine. Medium body with medium acidity. Right away it is clear this Syrah is unique. Light and fresh with characteristics more often seen in the Rocks District. Cherries, olives, gamey meats and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Exceptional Syrah and certainly a standout in the Reynvaan lineup. Best over the next 2-4 years.

My rating: 95 points.

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

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