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Reynvaan Family Vineyards Cayuse Christophe Baron's Consulting Project 
A new, top-of-the-list cult winery has arrived - Reynvaan Family Vineyards. Talented young winemaker Matt Reynvaan has crafted some of Washington State's most exciting new Syrahs.
This isn't just your average startup winery. Reynvaan's viticulture and wine consultant is Christophe Baron, owner and winemaker at Cayuse.
at right, Matt Reynvaan
Reynvaan's first wines are two Syrahs made from the first 5 acre block planted at the winery's "In the Rocks" Vineyard. They will stun you with their rich, layered flavors of black fruit, minerals, tobacco, lavender, forest floor, smoke, brine... the flavors unfold endlessly.
The Reynvaan Syrahs are very reminiscent of the Cayuse Syrahs. It makes sense - Cayuse's Christophe Baron is the viticulture and wine consultant to the Reynvaans. And "In the Rocks" Vineyard is bounded on one side by Cayuse's En Cerise Vineyard. The vineyard's "soil" is composed of rounded river rocks, thus the name.
Matt describes his relationship with Cayuse's Baron: "Since the beginning of our venture, Christophe has been with us every step of the way, helping us pick our vineyard sites, laying out the vineyards, choosing the vines that are best suited for these sites as well as farming and guiding these wines through their early development. He brings experience, knowledge and passion to our project and demonstrates a focus and work ethic that are infectious. He is a pleasure to work with and is an integral part of this venture. With invaluable assistance from Christophe, we believe we have created wines that are very special."
In an interview with wine writer and critic Paul Gregutt (paulgregutt.com), Christophe Baron described his involvement with the project: "What seduced me," he said in his still-thickly accented English, "was the idea of this being an estate winery. Not dealing with growers. Planting a vineyard in the right terroir, in the right way. We talked about all those parameters and the Reynvaans agreed to give me carte blanche. I need carte blanche. I'm not going to argue over 'can we do it cheaper'? - everything has been done the right way."
Reynvaan Family Vineyards (mixed cases OK)
Scents of stone, slate, sea salt, dry field herbs - exotically intriguing. Lots of mineral, herb, fresh tobacco, Nicoise olives, plum and berry note in this dense, mouthcoating wine. - Jean
Fascinating beef teriyaki, smoke, and olive aromas mingle with lavender, spices, and sweet red fruits. Benefits from some time in the glass (or decanting), and then rewards with lush dark fruits and a long, long finish. - Adrienne
"This Syrah was co-fermented with Viognier, which brings out very floral aromatics as well as enhancing the color of the wine. The wine has a great balance of ripe strawberries, white pepper, dried lavender, and violets. In The Rocks pairs well with a variety of foods, but also stands well on its own. This wine will be very approachable in the first few years, but also will benefit from years of aging." - the winery
"The 2007 Reynvaan In The Rocks Syrah carries Cayuse-like aromas of bacon fat, smoke, licorice, iodine and sea spray. Rich, extracted, its berry, plum and currant fruit is matched with significant flavors of earth, forest floor, herb and bark. The tannins are still a little rough and green, but the stuffing and balance are there to age gracefully." - wine advisor Paul Gregutt, paulgregutt.com
Reynvaan Family Vineyards (mixed cases OK)
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
"This wine showcases the more masculine traits that Syrah has to offer; smoke, petroleum and meaty characteristics. As the wine evolves, black fruits, violets, and intense minerality slide over the palette and make for a long and concentrated finish. This wine was co-fermented with Marsanne and will age in French oak barrels for eighteen months prior to bottling." - the winery
"The 2007 Reynvaan The Contender Syrah was co-fermented with 4 percent Marsanne, and profits handsomely from that decision. It has more fruit, less smoke and meat than the companion syrah. Plenty of spice, pepper, a hint of granite, and a restrained herbaceousness make it more accessible, and yet quite ageworthy. A very good wine right out of the bottle, it seemed to fade a bit in the glass. Both of the Syrahs, from third leaf fruit, display the winemaking style and character of Christophe Baron, with intense aromas and no shortage of pleasing, earthy funk." - Paul Gregutt, paulgregutt.com
Below, Reynvaan "In the Rocks" Vineyard
More Washington Cult Syrahs - Betz 
Betz Family Winery
Betz Family Winery
Dark, dense and massive. The 07 La Serenne is as good as ANY Washington Syrah I've tasted. Buckets full of black fruit are shaded with ground coffee, vanilla and smoked meat. La Serenne storms your palate before a sexy, savory-sweet interplay of blackberries, thyme, pepper and minerals lifts the finish. The 07 was still evolving after three days opened. Shockingly good Syrah. - Marcus
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We're available by phone at 541-752-7418
Marcus,
Jean, Adrienne, and Wendy
Marcus Looze
Wendy Brown
Jean
Yates
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