Well, it's the first Saturday of the new month, meaning it's Cellar Saturday! This is the special day when I raid the cellar for something at least a decade in the making. Tonight, I've opened a bottle of 2015 Reininger Tahoma, a classic Bordeaux style blend that is a specialty of Washington wine makers. This wine is a blend of Sangiovese (50%), Merlot (22%), Cabernet Sauvignon (22%), Malbec (3%) and Petit Verdot (3%) from the Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge and XL Vineyards in the Walla Walla AVA of Washington. Of note, this wine was aged in barrel eight years before release, giving a very different character to this wine. Just a couple months ago I reviewed the 2017 vintage, so let's see what the older sibling has to offer!
The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, with a heartier look than the prevalence of Sangiovese would suggest. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blackberry, leather, and hints of floral. Take a sip and you're treated to a rush of ripe black fruit, cherry, currant and blackberry that transition effortlessly to some notes of earthy peat and black pepper spice midpalate. The tannins are vibrant and well structured, providing for a very dry yet velvety smooth finish that lingers until your next sip.
.jpg "Angus ribeye grilled rare along with some grilled leeks and steamed asparagus with hollandaise")
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's a classic example of a Washington blend, but also highlights the creativity of Chuck Reininger and his team. This wine would pair well with a range of dishes, from classic ratatouille to Yankee pot roast, hearty pasta to braised lamb shank. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with an Angus ribeye grilled rare along with some grilled leeks and steamed asparagus with hollandaise. Cheers!
