Washington State and Walla Walla Valley Wine
Washington is a Place for Wine
A month ago I met a wine blogger from California who said something like, “I’ve tasted Washington wines but never really understood them. I think it was because I was always tasting in the context of California, comparing and contrasting with California wine. But, here in Washington wine country, tasting Washington wines back to back in the context of Washington as a place….now I get it! Washington wineries make great and interesting wines that have a style and sense of place all their own.”
Walla Walla’s Identiy Crisis
Our winemaker, Chuck Reininger, participated in a panel discussion for the bloggers in town during the annual wine blogger’s conference. He related to the audience the following observation. Walla Walla has an identity crisis. He went on to explain that we grow and produce wines from grapes made famous in other places around the world. We produce wine from Bordeaux varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere and Malbec; Rhone varieties like Syrah, Cinsault, Movedre and Grenache; Italian varieties like Sangiovese, Nebiolo and Barbara. Walla Walla really does not have a signature variety that stands out as quintessentially Walla Walla. We are blessed that all these varieties grown in the Walla Walla Valley have qualities and characteristics consistent with world class wines. So, what is Walla Walla about?
Elegance
The Walla Walla Valley is nestled against the Blue Mountains where rainfall soil profiles and macro climates vary substantially as one moves west away from the mountains. This variety in condition adds to our regions ability to grow numerous varieties. Given that we do so well with so many varienties, one may wonder, “What is it that makes Walla Walla a singular, world class place? Pondering the question, I asked Chuck, “What is it, that ties the valley’s vineyards and grapes together?” His answer, “Elegance. Wines made exclusively from Walla Walla grapes exhibit an old world character of minerality and earthiness when made with patience and traditional winemaking methods. Also, Merlot in our wonderful valley exhibits a streak of chocolate across all the Walla Walla vineyards. “ Chocolate is good.
Wine Lover’s Syrah from Washington State and Walla Walla Valley
Say, do you love Syrah?
Are you familiar with Washington Syrahs or Walla Walla Valley Syrahs? How do you know which Syrah to buy given the huge number of choices available in the market? I hope to help you select a couple you will love. The risk of disappointment is extremely low. So low, in fact, we gaurantee complete satisfaction or your money back!
2007 Reininger Syrah
Wine Spectator, 92 points
Pairing suggestions: Garlic-Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb, New Potatoes with Balsamic-Shallot Butter, Pork Tenderloin with Pomegranate Cherry Sauce, Double Chocolate Pudding
2006 Reininger Syrah Ash Hollow Vineyard
Wine Spectator, 93 points
Pairing suggestions: Braised Veal Osso Bucco, Butternut Squash & Toasted Pine Nut Risotto, Coffee Truffles
2006 Helix Syrah
Wine Spectator, 90 points | Wine Advocate, 90 points | Wine Enthusiast, 91 points
Pairing suggestions: Lamb and Pepper Kebabs, Spinach with Orzo and Feta, Spicy Blackberry Barbecue Sauce, Smokey Ratatouille, Spiced Chocolate Mousse
Improve your confidence! Review our Syrah ratings history with major wine magazines:
2007 Helix Syrah, Wine Spectator, 91 points
2006 Reininger Syrah, Wine Spectator, 92 points
2005 Reininger Syrah, Wine Spectator, 92 points
2005 Reininger Syrah Ash Hollow Vineyard, Wine Advocate, 94 points | Wine Enthusiast, 91 points
2005 Helix Syrah, Wine Enthusiast, 91 points
2004 Reininger Syrah, (freeze-out year, no production)
2004 Helix Syrah, Wine Spectator, 91 points | Wine Enthusiast, 90 points
2003 Reininger Syrah, Wine Spectator, 93 points | Wine Advocate, 92 points | Wine Enthusiast, 91 points | Wine and Spirits, 90 points
2002 Reininger Syrah, Wine Spectator, 92 points | Wine Enthusiast, 90 points
2001 Reininger Syrah, Wine Spectator, 91 points
2006 Helix Syrah
Washington State Syrah | Columbia Valley
“If you like your music creative and expressive – along the lines of Prince – then this is the Purple Rain of our Syrah lineup.” ~Justin Vajgert
Reviewers Agree
Major wine reviewers seem to reach consensus when reviewing our 2006 Helix Syrah. ”Pleasurable”, “well-buffed” and “beautifully balanced” are a few of their descriptions. I believe this is a great example of Washington State Syrah, and the potential that exists. Read on if you want to see their full recommendations, and of course try some to see if you agree. In fact, I plan to open one tonight with bbq.
90 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2006 Syrah was sourced from 5 vineyards and aged in neutral barrels. Dark ruby-colored, it displays a bouquet of
pepper, bacon, and blueberry. Soft, plush, and savory on the palate, this lengthy effort will deliver pleasure through 2016.”
90 Points, Wine Spectator Magazine
“Smooth and velvety, with juicy acidity to balance the ripe and generous blueberry and spice flavors, lingering effortlessly on the well-buffed finish.”
91 Points, Wine Enthuiast Magazine
“Smooth and supple, this Helix Syrah is consistent with past efforts. There’s more than a trace of herb and earth, plenty of acid and some tannins with more than a hint of compost and green tea. But for all that earthiness the wine has grip and concentration, with fruit that seems natural and honest. Don’t look for jam or sweet preserves; this is more to the gamy, herbal side of the grape, but beautifully balanced.”
