2016 Reininger Walla Walla Valley Syrah

Well, it's been a busy weekend, and just like that it's almost over!  Well at least there is still food and wine and tonight I've decided to open a bottle of wine I barrel tasted back in 2017, the 2016 Reininger Walla Walla Valley Syrah.  This wine is a 100% Syrah from the Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley.  I remember tasting this wine on my visit and it was impressive, so let's see if it remains so!

The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you'd expect for the varietal.  The nose is a layered affair, with a bit of leather and cedar on top of blackberry and currant with a hint of lilac in between.  The taste is a rush of black fruit, blackberry, currant and cherry that transitions effortlessly to some earthy notes of peat and cedar midpalate.  This finish is supported by some tight tannins that gives you a rush of Bordeaux style funk before easing into a long, smooth and deliciously dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's drinking nicely now, but will likely get better with a year or two in the cellar.  This wine is a perfect wine to pair with some Mediterranean cuisine, whether great fish stews from the southern Rhone, or a wonderful linguine alle cozzi from Sicily, the earthiness and fruit would pair well.  But tonight I am enjoying this wine with food from an entirely different continent as I made some chicken and vegetables with masala curry sauce over basmati rice.  Cheers!