As a casually-dressed, super low-key and highly personable guy, upon first glance you might not immediately know that Matt Reynvaan is one Washngton’s finest winemakers. Matt crafts some truly dazzling wines for Reynvaan Family Vineyards, one of the top producers of Washington Syrah and white wine. Set high above the town of Walla Walla, Reynvaan has jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the valley. Their wines are even more breathtaking. As a limited production winery, Reynvaan founded two of the great people in Washington wine, Mike and Gale Reynvaan. Their wines are sourced from the Reynvaan’s ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ and their ‘Foothills in the Sun Vineyard.’ Both of these sites have incredible terroir and impressive aromatic and flavor range. Their ‘In The Rocks Vineyard’ is located next to Cayuse and shares the similar stony and mineral aspects in their wines, while their ‘Foothills In The Sun Vineyard’ shows an intriguing herbal and dark fruit with lighter stone quality. These are some of the finest vineyards in the state.
My last visit to Reyvaan was in August 2017 where I tried their incredible lineup of red wines. This visit focused on one red wine and two new release white wines. It is hard to describe how stunning the new Reynvaan Viognier is once in the glass. The 2016 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier (WWB, 95) is the best Viognier from Washington that I have ever tried. Further, this is up there with the best Washington white wine that I have sampled over the past fifteen years of reviewing Washington wines. If you have a chance to purchase this wine, find it, capture it, and buy as much of it as you can. During this impressive tasting I also sampled the best red wine out of Washington that I have tried this year, the 2015 Reynvaan ‘Stonessence’ Syrah (WWB, 97). This wine shows profound flavor and aromatic range. It is nearly impossible to put this down once aroused, as the wine shows dazzling minerality, alongside the cornucopia of fruit and non-fruit flavors. Learn more about this famed winery at https://www.reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com Here are the gorgeous new wines by Reynvaan Family Vineyards.
2016 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier- The 2016 Reynvaan 'In The Rocks' Viognier saw extensive barrel age and battonage prior to bottling. The resultant Viognier its truly one of the best white wines that I have ever sampled from Washington. The 2016 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Rocks Viognier’ opens with an incredible stony nose with aromas of chamomile, nectarine jelly, white flowers, honeydew melon and wet stone. The palate exudes class with honeydew melon, roasted pineapple, mango and roasted macadamia nut as this shows an exotic edge. The near minute long finish impresses. Only 80 cases of this thrilling wine, so grab this while you can. Drink 2018-2028- 95
2016 Reynvaan Grenache Blanc- This deeply hued wine begins with aromas of honeysuckle, apricot and cantaloupe. The palate has an incredible texture with Pazzaz apple, kiwi, pink grapefruit and roasted pinapple. This has incredible range and the mouthfeel delights. Refreshing, yet rich, this gorgeous wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2018-2028- 94
2015 Reynvaan ‘Stoneessence’ Syrah- The 2015 Reynvaan ‘Stoneessence’ Syrah is one of the great wines of Washington. wine weighs in at 13.6% alcohol which was the lowest percentage of any Reynvaan Syrah made in 2015. This profound wine has an incredibly perfumed nose. Rose petal, blood orange, red cherry candy and smoked brisket notes come to mind. The palate is plush and seductive as the meaty and savory character of the wine really shines through. Mouth-watering acidity fills your mouth as the wine unveils smoked pork shoulder, Hoisin sauce, Mandarin orange zest, Umami and white truffle flavors all marvelously combining. The minute long finish is simply exceptional, as is the dazzling minerality. Drink 2018-2028- 97