The wines featuring Bordeaux grapes begin with the 2005 Merlot (which contains 6% Cabernet Franc). It was aged for 23 months in 33% new French and American oak. It displays an enticing nose of cedar, mineral, tar, cassis, and black currant. Easy-going and plush on the palate, this well-balanced, savory effort has enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years and will drink well from 2011 to 2017. Reininger Winery opened its doors in 1997. The wines are made by Chuck Reininger with lots of family help with winery operations. The Reininger label is reserved for wines produced with Walla Walla grown grapes while the Helix label, reviewed separately, is used for Columbia Valley fruit. Tel. (509) 522-1994; www.reiningerwinery.com

Chuck Reininger has fashioned a Merlot that captures his personal style as well as the signature of the vineyards. Smooth and seamless, juiced up with spicy berry and plum, then softened with barrel flavors of butterscotch, milk chocolate and coffee, this wine just glides along on a carpet of silk, tossing out bursts of spice and herb along the way.——P.G.(5/1/2009)—— 91