A month ago on an unusually sunny November day, we descended on my rooftop to go back in time to what was an epic set of releases by Reynvaan in 2014. I fondly recall first trying these wines with superstar winemaker Matt Reynvaan during the summer of 2016 at his winery. His white wines were truly beautiful and rich, but the red wines had something extra special with their incredible richness and strong vein of tension through the wines. Tannins were firm and beautifully framed the core of dark fruits. The range of these wines were truly stunning. While I didn’t see the wines as exceedingly long-lived, they were just showing incredibly in their youth.
I had the great pleasure to speak with Matt today as he mentioned that “2014 was a great year reds and for Cabernet which performed exceptionally well.” Matt recalled this vintage as “extraordinarily warm.” He mentioned that the yields were large and he made some vineyard adjustments due to the heat, stating “The heat was making me nervous with yields so I balanced out the canopy with a bit more fruit. That can be a bit of a gamble but that was a good decision.”
Despite the obvious heat of the vintage, he noted that “the wines are really well-balanced with the right amount of concentration. The vintage had the minerality and structure of Chateauneuf du Pape wines.” Initially the wines showed more terroir than fruit as he mentioned “The fruit was a bit muted for a while with the minerality notes but I think that is a consumer’s year. They seem to love those wines that are more approachable and easy to drink.” He noted that it was more of a challenge to make white wines that year but he stated “ I really loved the Viognier I made in 2014. I really enjoy revisiting that wine.”
It was a pleasure revisiting these gorgeous wines. Tasting with an industry colleague from Calgary, we were blown away with the consistency of the wines and the terroir. These are wines that are truly peaking right now as there is no need to cellar the 2014 Reynvaan red wines. Pop the cork on one and you will be amazed.
The 2014 Reynvaan ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah (WWB, 97) is amongst the best wines in Washington made this year. The aromatic and flavor range is just insanely good. Just as good is their 2014 ‘Stonessence’ Syrah (WWB, 97) which is a masterful effort with gobs of wet stone character, vibrant acidity and a silky texture that brings you back to the glass for more hedonistic enjoyment. Learn more about this storied Washington winery at https://www.reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com Here are my reviews of the simply dazzling 2014 Reynvaan red wines.
2014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Foothills Reserve’ Syrah- The 2014 ‘Foothills Reserve’ is a show-stopping wine that is scintillating now and has a long way to go. Showing off an inky color, this lease with its ripe blackberry and black cherry profile that mingles with shades of Umami, green peppercorns and charcuterie aromas that all mingle in the glass. his inky colored, opaque wine begins with intoxicating aromatics of red cherries and blackberries woven together with Unami, wet stones, white pepper and smoked brisket all taking shape in this majestic red. The palate is expressive and rich, with good poise and tension that runs through the core of the wine. A light dusting of salinity combines with Umami and pomegranate seed with bulls blood and shades of salted smoked meats which all combine in a seamless fashion. Elegant and profound, this is truly peaking right now. Drink 2019-2026- 97
2014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah- The 2014 ‘In The Rocks’ Syrah by Reynvaan is a sensational wine at now five years of age. The stony edge to the wine is truly shining as ripe red fruits dance with shades of blood orange zest, white truffle and Umami which all meld together in unison in the glass. The palate shows vibrant acidity and a seamless quality with its silky texture that runs through the core of the wine. Bulls blood, Satsuma orange zest, wet stone, Umami, red cherry candy and black currants all come together on the palate. Profound and scintillating, with wonderful purity of fruit and serious range, this stunning wine is really at its peak right now and will cellar well for at least another five to seven years. Drink 2019-2024- 94
2014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘Stonessence’ Syrah- The ‘Stonessence’ is a barrel selection wine, showing profound terroir that is carefully crafted by superstar winemaker Matt Reynvaan. The stony character on the nose is really profound, as shades of seaweed, orange rind, bright Bing cherry and cran-pomegranate all marvelously combine on the nose. The palate is seamless and marvelously texture. Wet stone and bright red fruits with marvelous lip-smacking acidity greet you on the palate with lovely citrus rind, wild blackberry coulee and teaberry tones combine on the palate. The long finish lingers. This is just sensational right now and will continue to show well for at least the next seven plus years. Drink 2019-2025- 97
2014 Reynvaan Family Vineyards ‘The Classic’ Red Wine- The 2014 ‘The Classic’ Red Wine is a gorgeous effort from this warm vintage in Washington. Seaweed and suggestions of black truffle, smoke, seaweed and blackberry cobbler aromas all parade in the glass. The palate shows gobs of mouth-watering acidity as this slowly unveils ripe black fruits that mingle with wet stone, citrus rind and red raspberry cordial flavors. Seamless and marvelously textured, the 2014 ‘The Classic’ is peaking now and will provide drinking enjoyment for at least another five to seven years. Drink 2019-2025- 95