Woehler on Wine: Walla Walla's Dunham, Reininger
WALLA WALLA -- Two highly recommended stops for folks heading to Walla Walla for wine touring are Dunham Cellars and Reininger.
Both wineries got off to flying starts in modest facilities at the old air base just outside of town that's home today to more than a dozen wineries. Dunham remains at the site, while Reininger has moved on.
Both offer a nice selection of award-winning wines from the modest to higher price ranges.
Dunham has expand its facilities into a charming artistic facility and has opened a bistro/wine bar at the nearby Walla Walla airport terminal.
Reininger has built a new facility along Highway 12 west of Walla Walla that will be decked out for the holidays.
Dunham Cellars was chosen as Wine Press Northwest's 2008 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year.
Two types of wines stand out at Dunham: Syrahs and the whimsical Three Legged and Four Legged Dog blends.
Dunham 2005 Syrah, Columbia Valley, $45 -- As tasty as it is bright with huckleberry, black cherry flavors introduced by aromas of tobacco and grenadine. Match with a classic Steak Diane.
Dunham 2006 Four Legged White, Columbia Valley, $16 -- A crisp Riesling with a splash of chardonnay combined offer a succulent fruity wine with a rich apple taste and great acids. Serve with herb-flavored rotisserie chicken.
Just off Highway 12 at 150 East Boeing. Web site: www.dunhamcellars.com.
Reininger Winery is one of the easiest to visit on the way to Walla Walla and has inviting holiday decorations.
It offers an array of wines featuring two labels, Reininger and Helix.
Reininger Helix 2005 Pomatia, Columbia Valley, $21 -- A Cabernet-dominated blend offers currants and chocolate aromas, plum flavors and good acids. A great spaghetti wine.
Reininger 2005 Merlot, Walla Walla Valley, $36 -- Wood spice beginning, flavors of lush ripe plums and a smooth, lip-smacking finish. Try with a rosemary-marinated loin lamb chop.