Last year, London-based Decanter magazine selected Chuck Reininger’s 2013 Syrah as the premier example of a red Rhône wine made in the U.S. His work here with Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills vineyards seems on par with that Platinum-medal winner. While it was aged entirely with French oak, none of those barrels were new, allowing for inviting aromas of cherry, blueberry and leather with squid ink and iron shavings. Flavors of blueberry and blackberry jam hit the palate with mouth-filling juiciness. Plum-skin tannins, pomegranate and French roast coffee make for a long and compelling finish. These wines are available at the Walla Walla tasting room west of town, the Helix by Reininger tasting room in Spokane near The Davenport and via regional distributors in Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 346 cases
Alcohol: 14.9%
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