Walla Walla Valley, a region rich in winemaking tradition and innovation, is home to some of the most remarkable wineries in the world. Among them stands Reynvaan Family Vineyards—a winery celebrated not only for its exceptional wines but also for its unwavering commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of its terroir. Reynvaan’s story is one of passion, artistry, and a dedication to crafting wines that tell the story of the land they come from.

The Roots of Reynvaan: A History Steeped in Terroir

Reynvaan Family Vineyards is distinguished by two exceptional estate vineyards, each contributing unique characteristics to their acclaimed wines.

In the Rocks Vineyard: Situated in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, this vineyard occupies an ancient riverbed filled with large, smooth river rocks, reminiscent of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The rocky soils, formed by an alluvial fan from the Walla Walla River approximately 15,000 years ago, impart a distinctive minerality to the wines. This terroir enables the creation of well-balanced and unique wines that truly reflect the essence of the land.

Foothills in the Sun Vineyard: Located at the base of the Blue Mountains on the Washington-Oregon border, this vineyard is one of the highest elevation sites in Washington, sitting at 1,600 feet. The western and southwestern exposures, combined with significant diurnal temperature variations—where daytime temperatures can reach the 90s°F and drop nearly 40 degrees at night—help retain natural acidity and freshness in the grapes. The soils consist of deep silty loam with small amounts of clay, iron, and pockets of rocks, providing an ideal environment for cultivating Syrah, Viognier, and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon

Winemaking Visionaries: Past and Present

Christophe Baron: The Mentor

Every great winery has a muse, and for Reynvaan, that figure is Christophe Baron. A legendary winemaker and the mind behind Cayuse Vineyards, Baron saw immense potential in the Rocks District. His mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Reynvaan’s winemaking ethos. Christophe’s philosophy of letting the land guide the wine became the cornerstone of Reynvaan’s early vintages, and his influence is still felt in the winery’s approach to crafting bold yet nuanced wines.

Matt Reynvaan: A New Chapter

Today, Reynvaan Family Vineyards is under the skilled leadership of Matt Reynvaan, whose winemaking talent continues to build on this solid foundation. Matt brings a fresh perspective, blending traditional practices with innovative techniques. He is dedicated to the family’s legacy while constantly seeking new ways to elevate the quality and expression of Reynvaan wines. His touch has ensured that each bottle remains a true representation of the Rocks District and the Walla Walla Valley, resonating with a modern audience while maintaining the authenticity that Reynvaan is known for.

Winemaking Philosophy: Balancing Art and Science

Reynvaan’s winemaking philosophy is a delicate dance between artistry and science. The team employs minimal intervention techniques, allowing the grapes and the land to do most of the talking. This approach ensures that every vintage reflects the vineyard’s unique conditions that year. Biodynamic practices further enhance the vitality of the vines, creating a balanced ecosystem that yields exceptional fruit. Matt Reynvaan’s dedication to small-lot production and meticulous craftsmanship ensures that every bottle is a masterpiece, handcrafted from start to finish.

Why Reynvaan Stands Out: The Heart of Walla Walla Wines

At its core, Reynvaan Family Vineyards is more than just a winery—it’s a reflection of the Rocks District’s and Walla Walla’s character and the family’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Their wines are a harmonious blend of nature’s gifts and human ingenuity, crafted with care and respect for the land. Critics and wine enthusiasts alike have lauded Reynvaan for producing some of the most distinctive wines in Walla Walla. But what truly sets them apart is their ability to connect with people, sharing not just a bottle but a story that resonates.

Reynvaan: Through the Years (2012-2021)

Senior Editor, Jeremy Young had the rare opportunity to complete a vertical tasting of Reynvaan’s ‘In the Hills’ Syrah  from 2012 to 2021. Without a doubt, these wines have stood the test of time and are just as beautiful now as the day they were bottled.

Reynvaan Family Vineyards’ “In The Hills” is a distinguished Syrah from Washington’s Walla Walla Valley, showcasing the region’s aptitude for Rhône-style wines. This wine is crafted predominantly from Syrah, often co-fermented with a small percentage of Viognier, a technique inspired by Côte-Rôtie traditions to enhance aromatic complexity. Enjoy the reviews below of this exceptional wine.

REYNVAAN Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ‘In The Hills’ 2012

The 2012 ‘In The Hills’ Syrah from Reynvaan is a wine with undeniable charm and depth. It pours a medium ruby-garnet core with a delicate brick-red rim, hinting at its maturity. The nose is layered and evocative, opening with baked red plums, raspberry compote, and pink grapefruit, followed by earthy undertones of white pepper, sanguine meatiness, and dried lilac flowers. Subtle smoky bacon notes linger on the palate, adding a touch of decadence. Silky tannins and medium-plus acidity create a seamless texture, while the soft, supple mouthfeel enhances the wine’s elegance. Bursting with character, this Syrah carries a nostalgic warmth, reminiscent of sitting by a fire and listening to family stories of a bygone era. From an extraordinary vintage, it remains vibrant and poised, with at least another decade of life ahead. If you can find a bottle, don’t hesitate—it’s a wine to savor and treasure.

REYNVAAN Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ‘In The Hills’ 2013

The 2013 ‘In The Hills’ Syrah from Reynvaan is a product of a hot summer followed by a cool harvest, resulting in beautifully ripe fruit flavors with a touch of finesse. It pours a striking blood-ruby core edged by a subtle orange hue. With a little time in the glass, this wine reveals remarkable freshness, offering aromas of dried rose petals, juicy red and black cherries, and a hint of green olive brine. Tangerine zest and earthy forest floor tones round out the nose, leading to a saline-driven, complex finish. On the palate, smooth and sweet tannins harmonize with the wine’s moderate-plus acidity, delivering balance and vibrancy. The finish carries a subtle funky earthiness, a hallmark of Reynvaan’s distinctive style. From its vivid fruit to its layered complexity, this Syrah is a brilliant reflection of the vintage and promises another decade of enjoyment.

REYNVAAN Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ‘In The Hills’ 2014

The 2014 ‘In The Hills’ Syrah reflects the hot growing season with its ripe and generous character. It displays a medium ruby-orange core with a delicate brick-hued rim, exuding warmth and maturity. Aromas of juicy boysenberries and baked red plums are complemented by hints of butterscotch, pink grapefruit pith, and iron-like ox blood. Floral notes of purple blossoms add elegance and lift to the bouquet. On the palate, this Syrah is bold yet balanced, with supple tannins and mouthwatering acidity providing structure and freshness. The finish lingers endlessly with tones of dried red roses and earthy complexity, leaving a lasting impression.

REYNVAAN Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ‘In The Hills’ 2015

The 2015 ‘In The Hills’ Syrah captures the essence of a hot growing season, producing bold, flavorful wines with a structured backbone. In the glass, it reveals a medium blood-ruby core with a faint purple rim, hinting at its depth and intensity. The nose is vibrant and layered, offering notes of apricot skin, ripe boysenberries, dusty wild herbs, and pomelo. Sweet dark chocolate and savory black pepper-charcuterie tones weave through the aromas, leading to a finish filled with saline minerality and complexity. On the palate, the tannins are soft yet gently grip the gums, creating balance alongside the vibrant acidity. The finish leans toward juicy fruit while retaining a subtle earthiness and that hallmark “In The Hills” funk that adds so much character. This is a bold yet refined Syrah that reflects Reynvaan’s mastery of the vintage and will continue to impress for the next decade.

REYNVAAN Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ‘In The Hills’ 2016

The 2016 ‘In The Hills’ Syrah is a captivating wine, pouring a deep purple-ruby core with a light brick-tinged rim. The nose is nothing short of stunning, revealing layers of dried violets, ripe blue plums, damp forest floor, and hints of dried thyme. Subtle whispers of smoky bacon fat add depth and intrigue, creating an aromatic profile that’s both fresh and endlessly compelling. On the palate, bold notes of black olive and dusty earth dominate, balanced by silky-smooth tannins and moderate acidity that lend elegance to the wine’s structure. The finish is long and memorable, with a saline edge and delicate rose petal nuances that linger beautifully. This is a wine of incredible depth and balance, showcasing Matt Reynvaan’s skillful craftsmanship and the age-worthy potential of the 2016 vintage.

REYNVAAN Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ‘In The Hills’ 2017

The 2017 ‘In The Hills’ Syrah is a testament to the beauty that can emerge from challenging vintages. A cool, wet spring gave way to a hot summer, followed by a moderate harvest, resulting in a wine of surprising complexity. In the glass, it displays a vibrant neon ruby-orange core with a light brick-hued rim. Aromas of fresh linens, pink peppercorn, and white grapefruit zest rise from the glass, gaining intensity with time. On the palate, juicy boysenberry and blueberry flavors take center stage, layered with savory ox blood, dried sage, and hints of smoked meat. The texture is smooth and supple, with an elegance that defies initial expectations for the vintage. This wine demonstrates how vintages overlooked by critics can evolve into intricate and captivating expressions. A truly remarkable bottle that showcases Reynvaan’s artistry and the enduring potential of 2017.

REYNVAAN Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ‘In The Hills’ 2019

The 2019 ‘In The Hills’ Syrah from Reynvaan is a stunning showcase of an ideal growing season, reflecting precision and finesse. Sourced from the In The Hills Vineyard surrounding the estate winery, this wine includes 6% co-fermented Viognier, which adds aromatic lift and complexity. Pouring a deep ruby hue, the wine reveals a beautifully layered nose of black raspberries, cracked black pepper, pencil shavings, and dried violet flowers. Each swirl of the glass unveils a new facet, drawing you further into its elegant profile. Unlike its more rustic and earth-driven siblings from The Rocks District, ‘In The Hills’ is a polished and refined expression. On the palate, medium-plus acidity and medium tannins create a seamless balance, framing the wine’s vibrant core of blue and black fruits. Blackberries and blueberries dominate upfront, while savory undertones of smoked meat, saline breeze, and dried thyme emerge on the long, intricate finish. The co-fermented Viognier lends subtle floral notes that enhance its overall elegance. While it’s drinking beautifully now, the structure and complexity suggest that it will evolve gracefully over the next decade. For those seeking a refined, fruit-forward Syrah with layers of savory depth, this wine is an absolute must-have.

REYNVAAN Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ‘In The Hills’ 2020

The 2020 ‘In The Hills’ Syrah is a masterful representation of a hot-summer vintage, delivering a bold, fruit-forward profile with remarkable depth and complexity. Displaying a medium ruby core edged with a delicate brickish rim, this wine captivates both visually and aromatically. The nose is layered and enticing, offering waves of ripe blackberries, blue plum, and tangelo pith, intertwined with savory notes of iron-rich earth, charred barbecue ribs, and cracked pink peppercorn. Each swirl of the glass reveals new subtleties, pulling you further into its luxurious and multifaceted character. On the palate, the wine is effortlessly smooth, with a velvety texture that showcases medium-plus acidity and rounded yet firm tannins. The ripe fruit flavors take center stage, balanced by savory and spicy undertones that add intrigue. The finish is nothing short of stunning—spicy and peppery, with a lingering presence that persists for minutes, leaving a lasting impression of its elegance and complexity.

REYNVAAN Syrah, Walla Walla Valley ‘In The Hills’ 2021

The 2021 ‘In The Hills’ Syrah is an extraordinary blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, co-fermented and aged primarily in neutral oak, showcasing Reynvaan’s meticulous craftsmanship. In the glass, this wine offers a symphony of aromas that immediately captivate—vibrant blue and black fruits mingle seamlessly with savory and smoky tones. Notes of crushed black peppercorns, crispy bacon fat, and toasted fennel seed bring a meaty, gamey complexity that is both bold and alluring. On the palate, the wine is lush and polished, delivering a perfect balance between the vibrant fruit core and the savory, earthy undertones. The texture is velvety, while the acidity and subtle tannins create a dynamic structure that promises longevity. As the wine evolves in the glass, it reveals layers of depth, making each sip more compelling than the last. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving traces of smoky spice and juicy fruit that linger effortlessly. This 2021 vintage is a masterclass in balance and complexity, offering incredible drinking pleasure now with the promise of further evolution over the next 15 years.