Thursday, November 24, 2022

2018 Reininger Walla Walla Syrah

Happy Thanksgiving!  It's a great time to get together with family and friends and recount all the blessings of the past year and remind us to be thankful for all the big things and little things in life, from health and cherished relationships, to wine and good food.  On such a day, it's a pleasure to open up a wine that would be welcome at the traditional turkey dinner, or another feast that strikes your fancy.  The 2018 Reininger Walla Walla Syrah is a 100% Syrah from the Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington.  So, let's see how this wine is shaping up!

2018 Reininger Walla Walla Syrah

The wine is a deep ruby color, just as you might expect from the varietal.  A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of leather, black currant and smoke, with undertones of floral that bring to mind the sights and sounds of autumn harvest season.  Take a sip and you're greeted with a rush of ripe black fruit, with just a hint of jamminess, that transitions easily to some notes of cherry cola and white pepper spice midpalate.  The tannins are expertly structured to provide a base for the long, smooth finish with a reprise of blueberry at the end.

Herb crusted rack of lamb with a red wine and berry reduction, potato puree and oven roasted Brussels sprouts

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's one of the nicest examples of Syrah I've tasted this year.  This wine is ideal for a broad range of dished, from traditional Thanksgiving turkey to pork tenderloin or smoked brisket.  Tonight, I am taking a wild turn from traditional Thanksgiving and enjoying this wine with an herb crusted rack of lamb with a red wine and berry reduction, potato puree and oven roasted Brussels sprouts.  Cheers!

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