Reynvaan Family Vineyards
The Contender Walla Walla Valley Estate Syrah
Walla Walla Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
Always enjoyed the Reynvaan offerings, but this was my first time with their Contender. It is co-fermented with Marsanne (as opposed to the traditional Viognier). 97 Syrah/3 Marsanne. Quick one-hour double decant.
I opened this alongside a 2015 No Girls Grenache and while there were obvious similarities in profile, this was distinctly different and the preferred wine from the group. Both sport the classical “funk” of Rocks district Rhône varietals, with perfumed dark florals, black olive and smoked meat. The co-ferment obviously lends toward a more aromatic wine but the palate was even more intriguing. Again, classical notes of peppered strip, spiced raspberries and blackberries, but the texture brought about a sweet-tangy finish as opposed to the typical overly savory profile of similar wines. It’s a note I’ve gotten on older Cote-Rotie wines and I love it. Drinking beautifully. Acidity is still vibrant and food pairs wonderfully at this point. Followed over two days and no change. Pop and enjoy.
Always enjoyed the Reynvaan offerings, but this was my first time with their Contender. It is co-fermented with Marsanne (as opposed to the traditional Viognier). 97 Syrah/3 Marsanne. Quick one-hour double decant.
I opened this alongside a 2015 No Girls Grenache and while there were obvious similarities in profile, this was distinctly different and the preferred wine from the group. Both sport the classical “funk” of Rocks district Rhône varietals, with perfumed dark florals, black olive and smoked meat. The co-ferment obviously lends toward a more aromatic wine but the palate was even more intriguing. Again, classical notes of peppered strip, spiced raspberries and blackberries, but the texture brought about a sweet-tangy finish as opposed to the typical overly savory profile of similar wines. It’s a note I’ve gotten on older Cote-Rotie wines and I love it. Drinking beautifully. Acidity is still vibrant and food pairs wonderfully at this point. Followed over two days and no change. Pop and enjoy.
Deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits and sweet spice, co-fermented with Viognier and Marsanne. On the palate ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry flavors with cacao, espresso and smoky oak. Vivid acidity, rich ripe fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit and a bit of spice, very nice! Nice, had aging potential.
Deep Ruby with aromas of dark berry fruits and sweet spice, co-fermented with Viognier and Marsanne. On the palate ripe blackberry, plum and black cherry flavors with cacao, espresso and smoky oak. Vivid acidity, rich ripe fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit and a bit of spice, very nice! Nice, had aging potential.
Jan 12th, 2023
This is just a stunning 2010 Syrah from Matt Reynvaan. This Syrah has 6% Marsanne blended in and is sourced from the Reynvaan's esteemed 'In The Rocks' Vineyard. This wine improves following more than one hour of air before enjoying. As this begins to unwind, it releases intense aromatics of red with smoked meats, Umami, crushed wet stone and dried herbs de Provence. The mid-palate shows off a seamless texture, with bright fruit flavors of pomegranate, wild blackberry cordial,orange rind, red cherry preserves and lighter suggestions of wet stone continue on through the exceedingly long finish. The elegance of this wine is already apparent, and I expect this wonderful Syrah will age gracefully into the next decade and beyond. Drink 2019-2033- 95
This is just a stunning 2010 Syrah from Matt Reynvaan. This Syrah has 6% Marsanne blended in and is sourced from the Reynvaan's esteemed 'In The Rocks' Vineyard. This wine improves following more than one hour of air before enjoying. As this begins to unwind, it releases intense aromatics of red with smoked meats, Umami, crushed wet stone and dried herbs de Provence. The mid-palate shows off a seamless texture, with bright fruit flavors of pomegranate, wild blackberry cordial,orange rind, red cherry preserves and lighter suggestions of wet stone continue on through the exceedingly long finish. The elegance of this wine is already apparent, and I expect this wonderful Syrah will age gracefully into the next decade and beyond. Drink 2019-2033- 95
Feb 19th, 2019I love the funk of Syrah from The Rocks. Earthy funk, brooding dark fruit, beef blood, olive tamponade, roper and sweet spices. Loads of mineral notes, too. Cofermented with some Marsanne. Who is coming over to help me drink this?
I love the funk of Syrah from The Rocks. Earthy funk, brooding dark fruit, beef blood, olive tamponade, roper and sweet spices. Loads of mineral notes, too. Cofermented with some Marsanne. Who is coming over to help me drink this?
1 person found it helpfulApr 9th, 2016
Young, chose the 07 over 09, 10 & 11 because we figured it would be on its last leg. It's not. Great acid, bright fruit, iron'y, ridiculously good. Funktified.
Young, chose the 07 over 09, 10 & 11 because we figured it would be on its last leg. It's not. Great acid, bright fruit, iron'y, ridiculously good. Funktified.
Jul 12th, 2016A bit more power here but still restrained.
A bit more power here but still restrained.
Nov 1st, 2015
Just got back from a tasting last week at Reynvaan vineyard and opened this beauty this evening. What a fantastic viognier! So smooth, definitely hints of vanilla and overall a well balanced wine.
Just got back from a tasting last week at Reynvaan vineyard and opened this beauty this evening. What a fantastic viognier! So smooth, definitely hints of vanilla and overall a well balanced wine.
Jul 12th, 2020
Wow Wow Wow. Been sitting on this for quite a while to see what maturity brought to it. Absolutely stunning. Rich, delicate, perfumed, bold, elegant. I’m in love.
Wow Wow Wow. Been sitting on this for quite a while to see what maturity brought to it. Absolutely stunning. Rich, delicate, perfumed, bold, elegant. I’m in love.
May 7th, 2020
Very funky, lots of dark overripe fruit, cassis, but also graphite. Just delicious.
Very funky, lots of dark overripe fruit, cassis, but also graphite. Just delicious.
Aug 10th, 2018