The 2006 Carmenere Seven Hills Vineyard has a slightly green, olive character that is characteristic of this grape unless it is totally ripe. It also reveals earth notes, pepper, and blueberry. On the palate it is tasty but lacks the depth and concentration of the above wines. Reininger Winery opened its doors in 1997. The wines are made by Chuck Reininger with lots of family help with winery operations. The Reininger label is reserved for wines produced with Walla Walla grown grapes while the Helix label, reviewed separately, is used for Columbia Valley fruit.Tel. (509) 522-1994; www.reiningerwinery.com

This wine greets you with evocative scents that showcase Carmenere’s leafy, herbal nature without becoming too raw or vegetal. The fruit is subdued and tart; the flavors are spicy and very peppery and lead into tannins that have the scrapey austerity of green tea. It’s 100% varietal and brings both the good and the challenging flavor aspects of the Carmenere grape.——P.G.(11/1/2008)—— 88

Like Reininger’s excellent Malbec, this is 100% varietal, sourced from the Seven Hills Vineyard. Dark, toasty, smooth and delicious, it’s got a lot of midpalate power leavened with herbs, cinnamon and black pepper. Give it a bit of extra breathing time and it opens out into a smooth, silky finish. ——P.G.(3/1/2007)—— 89