Winery - Reininger
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is pure Syrah, done in a classy, confident style showing the dense, tannic, peppery fruit first and foremost. It hits you upfront with big, youthful, sappy flavors, then follows with barrel notes of toast, light leather, tobacco and roast beef. Very palate friendly.
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Reininger Syrah - 2003
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This mix of Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills and Ash Hollow fruit includes 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and a splash of Malbec. Two thirds of the barrels were American oak. Still resolving, it shows some chewy, herbal, slightly bitter edges around softer, moderately ripe and plummy fruit.
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Reininger Merlot - 2006
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This is Reininger’s super Tuscan-style blend: half Sangiovese, one quarter Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc. I applaud the innovation, and the care given to its extra aging, but confess puzzlement as to what exactly this wine is intended to be. The extra time in bottle has softened it into a pleasing, mellow condition; it would make a heck of a good spaghetti wine, but the price suggests grander aspirations.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Pure Carmenère from a single vineyard, this was coopered in French oak, 61% new. From first glance and whiff it captures the varietal perfectly, with ripe black fruits and fresh, pungent herbal highlights. Tannins are supple and smooth, beautifully rendered, and the wine continues seamlessly through a lingering and satisfying finish. Makes a strong claim for the best Carmenère in Washington, if not the country.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A lush scent of fresh Bing cherries greets you from the moment the cork is pulled, afterward, this lovely, textured wine continues to open up beautifully in the glass. Fine grip and body, it's plump, fresh fruit is artfully balanced against acid and oak. Smooth, youthful and inviting, this isn't a huge wine, just hugely enjoyable.
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Reininger Merlot - 1999
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Malbec is probably the most under-rated Washington red, but a wine such as this may change that. It’s beautifully styled, tight in the midpalate, but with a broadly fruity entry that mixes berry and plum, cassis and chocolate, with a vein of mint. Winemaker Chuck Reininger has a masterful touch with tannins, and as with the rest of his reds, this is smooth and seductive, without harsh edges but with firmness and flesh. Young and primary, it looks to be a wine that can age for up to a decade.
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Reininger Malbec - 2006
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Reininger makes their Red Table Wine from lots not selected for their other wines, but it’s a nice effort, and attractively priced. Ripe and plummy, it smells of raisins, spices and ground coffee. It is open and soft, showing mature fruit and interesting nuances of leaf and toast.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Polished and varietal, this shows the skills of winemaker Chuck Reininger. The 2006 vintage produced tight, hard-edged, herbal wines, ageworthy but unyielding. But here it has been honed and softened, so that its Bordeaux-like traits are emphasized, with plenty of herbal character and spicy purple fruits. Still coming out of its shell, this is a wine to cellar and drink with a big, grilled steak.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
From a near-perfect vintage, this is a sleek, stylish, refined Cabernet. It is less forward and broadly fruity than past Reiningers, but showcases the strengths of the vintage—grip, elegance, detail, and balance. There is plenty of fruit – black cherry and cassis – with layers of smoke, anise, coffee, and bitter chocolate. Still quite tight and young, this is a wine to cellar and enjoy for a decade or more.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Nice, juicy aromas of black fruits and cassis, with suggestions of licorice and mocha. This is a shade or two tighter and deeper than the excellent Merlot. Inviting and true to varietal, it shows exceptional poise, filling the mouth with subtle, sensual layers of fruit, accented with toasted wood. Elegant effort.
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