More meaty and wild, with notions of forest floor, mossy river rock, lavender, pepper and black cherry, the 2010 Syrah In The Rocks has additional depth and richness on the palate, with fantastic precision and edge to its texture and finish. Where the Foothills Reserve is up-front and ready to go, this seems to be holding back slightly and will benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar. It will impress for 10-12 years or more. Drink 2015-2027.
Made by Matt Reynvaan, with consulting help from Christophe Baron of Cayuse, these impeccably made wines deliver unique, perfumed and complex profiles that could come from nowhere else than the Walla Walla Valley. In addition, their ability to deliver stunning richness and depth, with no apparent weight, puts them up near the top of the Washington State hierarchy. Going forward, the plan is to produce three co-fermented reds and two pure Syrahs: the Unnamed Syrah co-fermented with Grenache Blanc; the In The Rocks co-fermented with Viognier; the Contender co-fermented with Marsanne; and both the Foothills Reserve and Stonessence made from 100% Syrah. In addition to these brilliant reds, I was blown away by their whites and they are easily the most exciting white wines I was able to taste from the state. Don’t miss these wines!
Tel. (509) 525-3462; www.reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com