Wine Advocate 91 points: "A winner from Reininger, the 2003 Syrah (1034 cases), explodes from the glass with roses, black raspberries, black cherries, strawberries, and a myriad of spices. Aged entirely in new French oak barrels, this Syrah reveals only a hint of wood spice in its black cherry and dark raspberry-dominated personality. Flush with fruit, its silky character glides across the palate. This is a beautiful, sensual wine to drink over the next 4-5 years."
Detailed Info, Previous Vintage Notes, Reviews:
Wine Spectator says: "Chuck Reininger blends in 3 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, but this one tastes like it's all Syrah. It is fine in texture, with lively blackberry, pepper, and pomegranate flavors emerging all in one piece, persisting through the fine-grained tannins on the long, refined finish. Drink now through 2010.H.S. "
Wine Press NW says about the 2000 Syrah: "It''s hard to stand out in star-studded Walla Walla, but Chuck Reininger manages to with eerie consistency. His second release of Syrah opens with
superior aromas of dark fruit, coffee, tobacco and black olives and richly structured flavors of ripe plums and blackberry jam." Technical Information Vineyards Pepper
Bridge Seven Hills Vineyard Cailloux Blend 93.5%
Syrah 6.5% Sangiovese HarvestedáOctober 6- October
22 Brixá21.6-27.2B Fermentationá5-7 days in open
fermenters and presses directly to barrels before dry Agingá18
months in French Oak BottledáApril
2001 pHá3.58 Total acidityá0.63g/100
ml Cases Producedá369 -
Tasting Notes A
wine possessing deep, rich color. The nose reflects aromas of baking spices and
blueberries while the mouth hints of raspberries and apricots. The very light
influence of oak allows the true essence of the fruit be revealed. The wine is
very soft in the mouth with well-integrated tannins that define a very balanced
wine with an elegant, seamless finish.
Awards Double Gold
Medal, San Francisco Wine Competition 2001 An American Example of Greatness, Jefferson
Cup Invitational 2001