2010 Reynvaan Family Syrah Stonessence
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Tasting notes
(100% syrah, vinified with 50% whole clusters): Dark red. Black raspberry, gunflint, smoked meat, woodsmoke and maple syrup on the nose. Plump, large-scaled and rich, with terrific meaty depth to the classically dry black fruit and smoke flavors. Boasts outstanding volume and breadth, with the palate-staining finish featuring wonderfully smooth tannins. (Note that Reynvaan's other two 2010 syrah releases were reviewed a year ago, with The Unnamed Syrah Walla Walla Valley meriting 92+? and the In the Rocks Estate Syrah 93; I retasted both of these wines in July and will stick with my original ratings.)
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Coming all from the estate’s The Rock vineyard and a 100% Syrah, the 2010 Syrah Stonessence doesn’t disappoint and has the peppered beef, salty minerality, lavender, pepper and black and blue tinged fruit profile that can be found, to varying degrees, in all of Matt’s wines. Full-bodied, concentrated and ethereally textured, it has a core of vibrant acidity, ripe tannin and a blockbuster finish. Possibly the most age-worthy in the lineup, I would give bottles another 3-4 years of bottle age, yet certainly, for those that can’t delay gratification, there’s ample pleasure to be found now. It will shine for 12-15+ years or more as well. Drink 2016-2027. 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