Reynvaan Syrah "The Contender" 09

Taking the gloves off! The fattest and most savory of Reynvaan wines, also with more structure on the back end. Still, The Contender shows a nimble side that's accessible and plush. Darker plum and currant spar with blue and black berry in a ring decorated with smoke, cocoa, meat, and iron. - Marcus

Lush and expansive. Aromas and flavors of blueberry and garrigue, minerals, dried meat, white pepper, fresh tobacco, and high plains grassland form the core of this dense and concentrated Syrah. Co-fermented with Marsanne prior to barrel. - Jean

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate on Reynvaan - Reynvaan Family Vineyards' first vintage was 2007. All of the fruit is from their Walla Walla estate vineyards, planted by them from scratch. The principal reason for the current and future success of the venture is that their viticultural and wine consultant is Christophe Baron of Cayuse. This is the only other winery that Baron works with, and that says all you need to know. - Jay Miller, Wine Advocate

Wine Advocate 95 points - The 2008 The Contender with 4% Viognier and 4% Marsanne, displays the most finesse. Elegant, refined, succulent and impossible to resist, it, too, should evolve gracefully and drink well through 2023. All of the Syrahs spent 18 months in barrel with approximately 15% (or less) new oak. - Jay Miller

Wine Spectator 95 points - The 2008 - Ripe and expressive, offering a plush, soft mouthful of stony mineral, cola and sassafras flavors, with a welling up of black cherry and dark plum character as the finish persists impressively. Delivers depth, power and elegance. Drink now through 2020. 300 cases made. - H.S.

2007 Vintage Tasting Notes

Wine Advocate 93+ points - The 2007 The Contender Syrah is also from the In The Rocks Vineyard. It was co-fermented with Marsanne and aged in French oak for 18 months. It is a more terroir-driven effort with greater minerality and structure, and darker fruit. It merits 5-7 years of cellaring and will offer a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2027. - Jay Miller

Wine Spectator 93 points - The 2007 - Dense, a bit chewy, with a gravelly character both in texture and aroma to support the neatly balanced plum, currant and guava fruit. It's all wrapped in wafts of sandalwood, smoke and floral perfume, just enough to be haunting. Drink now through 2020. 300 cases made. - H.S.