The 2020 Reynvaan Syrah The Contender is a noteworthy red wine produced by Reynvaan in the Walla Walla appellation of Washington's Columbia Valley. This vintage, composed of 98% Syrah and 2% Marsanne, is co-fermented, unfiltered, and unfined, and has an alcohol content of 13.8%.

James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 93, noting its “ripe brambleberries and plums with chocolate cedar, ground spices and wet stones.” He described it as medium- to full-bodied with “fine-grained tannins and a dusty, supple texture,” highlighting its “lots of spices and stony mineral notes with savory dark fruit and flowers.” Suckling recommends drinking it now or holding it for future enjoyment.

Jeb Dunnuck gave this wine an exceptional score of 98, praising it as a “full-bodied, deep, layered rock star of a Syrah.” He highlighted its “smoky, meaty, game aromatics” and “dense, textured mid-palate” with “building tannins.” Dunnuck also noted complex flavors of “charcuterie, ground pepper, iron, and earth,” calling it gorgeously textured and balanced with a great finish. He likened it to a top Hermitage look-alike and projected that it will evolve for another 15-20 years in cold cellars.

Vinous also rated The Contender highly, giving it a score of 95 and describing its bouquet as “dark and rich” with “red plums, olive tapenade, cracked slate, and nuances of seared meat.” The review emphasized its “soft and sleek” texture with a “wiry acid framework” that balances its red and black fruits. Vinous noted the wine becomes “distinctly savory through the finish,” with lingering notes of “spiced citrus and currant,” and compared it to wines from the Northern Rhône.

Wine Spectator awarded it a score of 93, describing it as “robust yet brooding” with deep flavors of “blackberry, stony mineral, licorice, and black olive” that “gather tension toward broad-shouldered tannins.” They recommend drinking it now through 2030, noting that only 390 cases were made.

In summary, the 2020 Reynvaan Syrah The Contender is a complex, well-structured wine with a balance of savory, mineral, and dark fruit notes. It has received high praise from multiple reviewers and is poised for long-term aging.