The 2006 Merlot contains 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Malbec. Dark ruby-colored with aromas of spice box, tobacco, violets, and cassis, on the palate it is silky-textured, concentrated, and lengthy. Give it 1-2 years to fully unwind and drink it from 2012 to 2021. 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. www.reiningerwinery.com

This mix of Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills and Ash Hollow fruit includes 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and a splash of Malbec. Two thirds of the barrels were American oak. Still resolving, it shows some chewy, herbal, slightly bitter edges around softer, moderately ripe and plummy fruit.——P.G.(11/1/2010)—— 87