Reininger Winery 2014 Seven Hills Vineyard Carménère, Walla Walla Valley, $51
Beyond the initially chewy tannins is a Carménère of unusually bright fruit – think watermelon – remarkable spice and unfamiliar perseverance. This won a gold medal and best Carménère of the 2016 Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition. The 2013 vintage won the same award in the 2015 Cascadia Wine Competition. Its annual popularity since the inaugural five-barrel 2002 vintage makes Chuck Reininger’s work with this obscure Bordeaux variety available only to those who visit his tasting room along the older section of Highway 12 just west of Walla Walla.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 341 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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