The 2018 Reynvaan Family Vineyards “In The Rocks” Syrah is a small-estate Rhône-styled red anchored by fruit from the Reynvaan family’s In The Rocks Vineyard, planted in 2005. The site sits on an ancient alluvial fan of the Walla Walla River, a place defined by cobblestone-laden, river-tumbled basalt—often compared, in broad terms, to the stone-strewn terrain of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Although Reynvaan is typically discussed in the Walla Walla Valley context, the vineyard itself is associated with the Milton-Freewater area, just over the Washington–Oregon line.
Retailer technical notes describe the 2018 as a co-fermented blend of **90% Syrah and 10% Viognier**, a classic Northern Rhône-inspired pairing intended to lift aromatics and shape texture. The same notes indicate a mix of whole berry and stem inclusion—reported as **70% destemmed**—and élevage in **puncheons with about 30% new oak**, choices that generally aim for breadth and structure without overwhelming the vineyard signature.
In terms of style, the limited published tasting commentary available for this vintage focuses on balance and poise rather than sheer power. K&L Wine Merchants describes it as “**medium to full-bodied, seamless, and incredibly well-balanced**,” adding that it shows a “**beautiful nose**” (K&L Wine Merchants). Wine.com echoes that same overall profile, also calling the wine “**medium to full-bodied, seamless, and incredibly well-balanced**” with a “**beautiful nose**” (Wine.com). Those are notably strong endorsements for harmony and aromatic appeal, even though they are not formal critic scores.
One important caveat for buyers who rely on point ratings: no reliable, vintage-specific professional critic score for the 2018 was confirmed in the available material, so the wine’s reputation here rests more on producer standing, site pedigree, and descriptive assessments than on headline numbers.
Regionally, 2018 in Walla Walla is generally characterized as a good year with a warm summer moderated by cooler conditions closer to harvest, supporting ripe flavors while helping retain control over sugars.
