Press & Accolades

Matt Reynvaan has long been one of Washington’s most respected voices in Syrah, and the 2023 R|A Family Wines JDA Project Syrah from the Walla Walla Valley marks an extraordinary debut from this Rocks District estate. The wine arrives near-black in the glass, almost impenetrable, and the nose wastes no time establishing its intentions: think crushed olive, dried stemmy herbs, bacon fat, and umami reduction layer over violet pastille, black pepper, and a deep undercurrent of anise and smoked charcuterie. What makes this so compelling is the tension between its savory, almost primal aromatics and the silky, polished way it moves across the palate. The stony terroir of the Rocks District pulses beneath the surface without announcing itself loudly, lending a cool mineral salinity that anchors the wine’s considerable concentration. Blueberry compote, tar, cracked black pepper, and espresso build steadily through the mid-palate, with the tannins firm but finely textured and the finish trailing long with dried herbs. Give this a few hours in the glass, which softens the wine’s youthful intensity. Roasted bone marrow with herb oil and flaky sea salt would be a natural pairing, the fat and umami of the dish playing directly to the wine’s savory, iron-laced depth. Editor’s choice.

Sourced from this estate vineyard in the Rocks District, the 2023 R|A Family Wines Syrah is the inaugural release of this wine made by Matt Reynvaan. It comes up inky in the glass, offering iodine and beef dripping notes on the nose alongside umami, soy sauce and shades of black licorice. The intoxicating nose brings you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is luxurious and refined with a silky mouthfeel as this glides throughout the drinking experience. While not overtly rocky, the stony soil essence captivates, as does the litany of non-fruit savory flavors. A joy to consume now, watch this evolve over the next ten years — but no need to sleep on this beauty. Give it twenty minutes in the decanter if savoring in its heady youth. Drink 2026-2036- 97

Smells so good, with aromas of violets, black pepper, sweet spices and purple and blue fruit with verve and energy. Cleansing and thirst-quenching, with nice mintiness and incredible minerality in the finish. Drink or hold.

This is the inaugural wine from this new project, which partners the Andrews and Reynvaan families, with Matt Reynvaan (Reynvaan Family Vineyards) making the wine. The aromas are brooding, with notes of violet, purple fruit, dried and fresh herb, and crushed rock, along with smoked meat and medicine. The palate is full-feeling and seamless, saturating the palate with savory flavors. There’s impressive density, depth, and intensity. It lingers on the finish. What a spectacular start! There’s not another wine quite like it coming from the Rocks District. It’s in full bloom already. Enjoy. 13.8% alcohol. Natural cork. 400 cases produced.