Reynvaan
History and Background
Reynvaan Family Vineyards, located in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington State, was founded in the mid-2000s by Mike and Gale Reynvaan. The estate is known for its exceptional Syrah wines, which reflect the unique terroir of the region. Reynvaan's commitment to quality and sustainable viticulture has quickly earned it a prestigious reputation among American wine producers.
Vineyards and Terroir
Reynvaan's vineyards are located in Walla Walla Valley, Washington State, covering approximately 16 hectares:
- Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly loess and basalt, providing excellent drainage and a range of minerals crucial for vine health. These soil conditions contribute to the concentrated and complex flavor profiles of the wines.
- Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier, producing wines that reflect the unique terroir characteristics of the Walla Walla Valley. The vineyards' higher elevation, cooler temperature ries, and the distinct soil composition aid in developing a unique minerality and intricate spice nuances, especially in their highly regarded Syrah wines.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Reynvaan's wines are characterized by their distinctive elegance and complexity. The flavor profiles often exhibit rich layers of blackcurrant, plum, and spice, seamlessly integrated with aromatic nuances of tobacco and cedar. The wines possess a noteworthy acidity that imparts freshness, accompanied by firm tannins, lending them excellent potential for aging. Typically, these wines have a full body that balances intensity with finesse.
- Winemaking Philosophy: At Reynvaan, the winemaking approach is deeply rooted in expressing the unique characteristics of the estate's terroir, blending traditional methods with innovative practices. The winery is committed to sustainable and organic vineyard practices, emphasizing the importance of minimal intervention to showcase the natural qualities of the grapes. This philosophy extends to the meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and the winery, including careful hand-harvesting and strategic green harvesting, which are critical for achieving the desired quality of grapes.
- Influence on Style and Quality: Reynvaan's meticulous approach to vineyard management and winemaking significantly influences the style and quality of its wines. The deliberate reduction of yields through practices such as green harvesting enhances the concentration and depth of flavors in the grapes. Aging the wines in French oak barrels contributes to their complexity and sophistication, introducing subtle hints of vanilla and toast. Additionally, the use of specific yeast strains during fermentation is tailored to enhance the unique characteristics of each varietal and vineyard block, resulting in wines that are not only powerful and structured but also maintain a graceful balance that is characteristic of Reynvaan. These collective efforts ensure the production of wines that are highly esteemed for their distinctiveness, elegance, and longevity.
Reputation
Reynvaan Family Vineyards is a boutique winery located in Walla Walla, Washington, known for its highly acclaimed Syrah and other Rhône varietals. Established in 2004 by Mike and Gale Reynvaan, the winery has rapidly earned a reputation for producing high-quality, distinctive wines that capture the unique terroir of the region. Reynvaan's prestige in the wine industry is notably rooted in their commitment to meticulous vineyard management and minimal-intervention winemaking techniques, allowing the natural characteristics of their grapes to shine through.
One unique aspect of Reynvaan's approach is their focus on terroir-specific wines. They have carefully selected vineyard sites that feature distinct soil compositions and microclimates, particularly suited for growing Syrah. The In The Rocks Vineyard, for instance, is renowned for its rocky soil that stresses the vines, leading to the production of small, concentrated berries that contribute depth and complexity to the wine. This expression of site-specific characteristics has led to numerous accolades and high scores from wine critics, enhancing their reputation.
Additionally, Mike Reynvaan's collaboration with Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards, who mentored him in the initial years, injects an element of Rhône expertise and innovative viticulture practices into Reynvaan's wine production. These elements, combined with their limited production and family-run approach, further imbue their wines with a sense of exclusivity and artisanal quality, solidifying their prestige in the competitive wine industry.
Final Thoughts
Reynvaan Family Vineyards, based in Walla Walla, Washington, has garnered remarkable acclaim for its distinctive approach to winemaking that emphasizes terroir-driven Rhône varietals. Established in 2004, the vineyard quickly distinguished itself by focusing on Syrah and other Rhône styles, which flourish under the unique microclimates and soil compositions of their estate vineyards, In The Rocks and The Foothills. Their wines regularly receive praise for their complexity, elegance, and the way they capture the essence of their environment, often drawing favorable comparisons to the esteemed Syrah wines of France’s northern Rhône valley. This acclaim is underlined by consistently high ratings from major wine critics, putting Reynvaan at the forefront of Washington State’s wine scene and showcasing their capacity to produce world-class wines that excel at expressing the nuanced characteristics of their locale.