Years ago, the Reininger children struggled to pronounce the name of their father’s new hire, Mr. Raul Morfin. The closest they could come was “Mr. Owl,” and now he is the assistant winemaker at Reininger. There have been a handful of vintages of Mr. Owl’s Red, starting in 2002, and the blend based on lots from Seven Hills Vineyard changes. This year, it leans toward a Super Tuscan-style with Sangiovese (55%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (27%) leading the way. Aromas of black currant, dried strawberry and dark cherry including pinches of lavender and graphite. It’s a food-friendly, acid-driven drink of Bing cherry and black currant with blueberry acidity, slaty tannins and a finish of mushroom and hazelnuts. A portion of the wine’s sales are devoted to Mr. Owl’s featured nonprofit — Friends of Farm Labor Homes Community in Walla Walla. And he’s featured on the label of the wine.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 177 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
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