The 2012 Merlot (all from Walla Walla) is lavishly oaked, with dark fruits and toasted spice giving way to a medium-bodied, ripe, rounded, textured feel on the palate. I don’t think it will be extremely long lived, but it should drink nicely for at least 4-5 years.

Less successful, the 2011 Merlot has a soft, supple feel, with some ripeness to its fruit, but turns overly acidic and tart on the palate. It’s best consumed sooner rather than later. These releases are made by Chuck Reininger, and while serviceable, 2011 was not a great vintage here. Tel. (509) 522-1994; www.reiningerwinery.com

Also interesting and very well made, the 2009 Merlot (92% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot aged in 92% American oak) offers up lovely red and black berry fruit, underbrush, wild herbs and licorice to go with a medium to full-bodied, supple and fruit driven mouthfeel. Showing juicy acidity on the finish, it’s made in a crowd-pleasing style and will delight for 4-5 years. Drink now-2019. Tel. (509) 522-1994; www.reiningerwinery.com

The 2007 Merlot (100%) was sourced the well-known Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills Vineyards. It was aged for 19 months in 32% new French oak. On the palate it comes off as light and superficial with a short finish. The flavors are good but there is simply not much here. Drink it in its youth. Reininger Winery opened its doors in 1997. The wines are made by Chuck Reininger with lots of family help with winery operations.Tel. (509) 522-1994; www.reiningerwinery.com

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