Reynvaan - Syrah Stonessence 2018

This absolutely gorgeous Syrah from Reynvaan could be the best Syrah I’ve tasted in the 2018 vintage. It expresses itself exactly how the best Washington Syrahs from The Rocks should show - think of a detailed, rich and meaty nose of smoked beef brisket tips, black olive tapenade and tobacco ash with fruit aromas of wild blackberry. The balance and mouthfeel of this wine is perfection. The flavors of fresh boysenberry, pomegranate seeds, ground black pepper, green olive, dried fennel and secondary characteristics of iodine and saline, create a wine that must be tried to understand just how good and complex this wine really is. It is multi-layered and constantly changes in the glass over time. If you can, buy a case and open one each year for the next decade or more. Highly recommended.

98 points - International Wine Report

The 2018 Syrah Stonessence is another gem that flirts with perfection. Coming from the In the Rocks Vineyard, which is in the Rocks region of the Walla Walla Valley, it’s 100% Syrah that was 90% destemmed and brought up in neutral puncheons. Reminding me of a great vintage from Jamet (I originally wrote “like their Côte Brune”), it has ample bright berry fruits (framboise, blackberries) interwoven with layers of crushed violets, cracked peppercorns, gunpowder, and spring flowers. Incredibly floral, nuanced, and complex on the nose, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a tight, focused, yet somehow still broad and expansive texture, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. Don’t miss it.