2009 Reininger Cima

Well, it's a beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon, perfect grilling weather, so it's time to pick a wine to enjoy.  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle of 2009 Reininger Cima, a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Merlot (20%) and Petit Verdot (10%) from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards of Walla Walla Valley.  I've reviewed a number of other vintages of Cima over the years, so let's see how this one stacks up!

The wine is a deep, inky purple at the center with bright ruby along the edges.  The nose presents aromas of leather, oak, kirsch, and a hint of violet.  The taste is wonderfully fruit forward, with a blast of black raspberry, plum and black cherry that transition nicely to some notes of tobacco, mocha and a hint of dark chocolate midpalate.  The finish it lovely, with some very round and supple tannins that prepare the way for the long, voluptuous and very dry finish that seems to last a minute or more.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's been well worth the wait for the six and a half years this wine has spend in the barrel.  It would be perfect with big hearty and meaty meals, and tonight I am doing it justice with a nice grilled sirloin, baked potato with sour cream and some grilled organic rainbow carrots.  The fruit in this wine just goes perfectly with a bit of char on a steak.  Cheers!