Reynolds Family Winery – 14
Friday, February 11th, 2005
Reynolds Famly Winery is one of the first wineries on the Silverado Trail. I had to categorize it within the generic "Napa appellation" as it lies within a corridor of what local winery owners hope will eventually be known as the "Silverado Bench" appellation. Behind the stone walls lie the tasting room, wine-making facilities, and also the family home of the Reynolds themselves. Except for the clearly marked signs towards the tasting room at the back of the estate, one would be hard pressed to realize you were entering a retail establishment. Back before 2002, when most of the current buildings were constructed, the estate was a chicken farm.
The tasting room is nestled near the back of the estate, immediately to the right of part of the storage area for barrels. The winery’s reservoir is also just off this back building and is very nicely integrated in that there is a working fountain in the center. Most wineries have reservoirs somewhere on the estate, but here at Reynolds, the sound and design incorporates the need for water while adding beauty and serenity. The tasting room itself is cozy and homey-like with a fireplace centered in the middle and a beautiful selection of turn-of-the-century antiques set up as scattered sitting area.
There are actually two labels presented within the tasting room, the RFW label and Gneiss Winery. The Gneiss label is considered a sister winery to the Reynolds Family. On my visit, I tasted a bit of both:
2002 RFW Carneros Pinot – 12 months barrell aged, 250 cases produced. I
was recently referred to a Pinophiliac. I just love the grape and
varying differences, but Carneros Pinots reign supreme. This is from
the Corotto vineyard and is incredibly full bodied. I did detect a
slight hint of green bell pepper aromas but an underlying aroma of
cinnamon prevailed. There was a sensation of an old candy store that I
couldn’t shake (but in a good way). The fruit was concentrated and
complex with a full plum-with-skin feel. Rather thin finish.
2001 Gneiss Winery Cabernet Sauvignon – 90% French Oak and 10% American Oak, 1400 cases produced. Rich, deep purple tones. Anise, vanilla, and oak aromas with a mouth full of green asparagus. Finishes with tannic plum.
2001 RFW Estate Select Cabernet – 18 months barrel aged in 50% new oak, 1300 cases produced. Very rich, full fruity nose fades to herbal qualities. The initial taste is that of sharp tannins which give way to cassis and cocoa. Nicely complex mid-palate and a lingering finish of coffee.
2001 RFW Persistence – This is comprised of six clones of Sauvignon Blanc, three clones of Merlot, two clones of Syrah, and one of Petit Verdot. It is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 5% Syrah, and 2% Petit Verdot. 750 cases produced. The immediate aroma of this wine was that of a perfume and a bit of green earth. It tasted very young and a bit bright, but excessive swirling produced complex herbal notes and a more darkened bell pepper finish.
2002 Thirteen – 650 cases produced. Meritage blend, mostly of Cabernet Sauvignon, from all thirteen of Napa sub-appellations. It is a beautifully-designed package, a great bottle shape, and a pretty fabulous wine. Apparently you have to be put on a list to be able to buy this wine. A very dark, purple wine with scents of oak and elegant cinnamon. The nose kept going and I would have been most happy just sitting, swirling, and smelling this wine for hours. Huge, complex spice from what I guess is the Syrah. A bit chewy mid-palate but a long, supple finish.
Reynolds Family Winery ~ 3266 Silverado Trail ~ Napa ~ CA ~ 94558 ~ 707-258-2558