As I look back at the 2017 vintage I can’t help but smile when I think about the overall quality that came to both red and white wines. 2017 in Washington will be remembered as the massive layers of smoke that stayed high in the skies seemingly for months. In the Seattle area, 2017 was a lost summer — a summer that we never had as air quality remained poor for weeks upon end and people were advised to stay in their homes and not venture outside.
Top Washington vintners produced some incredible wines in 2017. The vintage would have been considerably warmer had the smoke not created a barrier to the sun, cooling may places by ten or more degrees. This was precisely the case in the Rocks District, which did not see the level of heat spikes like 2015 or even 2016. This area was blessed with remarkably consistent weather throughout much of the summer.
While this was a warm vintage by Washington standards, things ended up cooler than 2015, 2016 and 2018. Many of the white wines made in 2017 impressed, and top producers like Reynvaan produced some of the finest white wines that I have tasted. A few weeks ago I had the chance to revisit some of the 2017 Reynvaan white wines after some time in the bottle. These wines showed exceptionally well and are still extremely youthful as both will go for another eight to ten years. The 2017 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier (OB, 96) is unctuous, soft and generous on the mouth with gobs of stony minerals. It is one of the best Viognier wines I have tasted from anywhere over the past year. Nearly as good is the 2017 Reynvaan ‘Queen’s Road’ White Wine (OB, 95) which shows even more dense fruit flavors with plenty of lip-smacking acidity and an exceedingly long finish. These two are truly some of the great white wines being made on the west coast. Learn more about Reynvaan wines at https://www.reynvaanfamilyvineyards.com and here are my tasting notes from the gorgeous 2017 Reynvaan white wines.
2017 Reynvaan ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier- I have had the chance to visit this wine several times over the past year and I have been consistently floored. The 2017 ‘In The Rocks’ Viognier is one of the great white wines made this vintage. The floral tones aromatically are exquisite as honeysuckle and shades of gardenia blossom mingle with ripe pear, starfruit and wet stone undertones on the nose. Upon entry the silky mouthfeel and dazzling minerality really impress as layers of buttercream, baking spice dusted Japanese pear, and toasty brioche all marvelously come together on the palate. With glorious length, this beautiful Viognier is showing exceptionally well right now and will continue to provide drinking enjoyment over the next eight years. Drink 2021-2028- 96
2017 Reynvaan ‘Queen’s Road’ White Wine- This is my first visit to this wine since it was released a few years back. A beautiful blend of 55% Marsanne and 45% Viognier, the ‘Queen’s Road’ was aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. Ripe and intense on the mouth, this delivers ripe nectarine and lychee tones alongside buttered shortbread, salted Macadamia nut and shades of roasted pineapple on the palate. This deep, downright unctuous white wine shows no signs of slowing down right now, and has at last another eight years to go. Drink 2021-2029- 95