2020 Reynvaan Family Vineyards, Result of a Crush, Claret, $41

Background: Walla Walla’s Reynvaan Family Vineyards developed a reputation as a cult Washington winery soon after the release of their first vintage in 2007.    

Result of a Crush is a second label from the winery, started in 2011 by sisters Amanda Reynvaan and Angela Reynvaan Garratt, with the help of their brother Matt, who makes the wines for both wineries. Their goal with Result of a Crush is to produce distinctive wines that are more readily available, well-priced, and which “showcase the owners’ sometimes whimsical attitude toward wine.” With excellent fruit sources from their family’s two estate vineyards plus the winemaking talent of Matt, Result of a Crush wines have become much sought-after in their own right.

Wine details: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, sourced primarily from their estate In The Rocks Vineyard (in the Rocks District AVA).

Flavor profile: Savory and inviting, with notes of plum and dark cherries. The winery sums it up best: “The rocky region we source this from showcases the earth driven flavors, which provide great acidity in the wine. The Merlot shines through with raspberries and herbs paired with a soft, elegant stone fruit finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot duo make this our favorite everyday drinking wine.”

Recommendation: Enjoy anytime, through about 2027. It is a great match for savory meat dishes.

2021 Brook and Bull, Come Hell or High Water, $49.75

Background: Ashley Trout’s career in Washington wine began when she was a student at Whitman College and helped out at Reininger Winery. Fast forward to 2020 when she was named one of Wine’s Most Inspiring People by the Wine Industry Advisor. This was no doubt in part for her generous work founding Vital Wines, a non-profit winery that helps Walla Walla Valley vineyard and winery workers access affordable health care. She was also named one of the country’s “Top 40 Tastemakers Under 40” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Somehow she still found time to create her third winery, Brook and Bull, in 2016, with a focus on “producing fine varietals and untraditional blends with a low oak profile. Purposely highlighting vintage variation and showing Washington State terroir.”

Wine details: 42% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 23% Counoise, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon

Flavor profile: Smooth, savory, and nuanced, with flavors of cherries and blueberries and notes of baking spice, herbs, and earth. The generous addition of Counoise adds a nice pepperiness to the wine.

Recommendation: Enjoy over the next few years. It is a great wine for lamb or hearty meat dishes and, because it could pair well with a broad spectrum of flavors, it would be a great Thanksgiving wine!