We attended the launch of R|A Family Wines in Seattle last week, and all we can say is wow. Well no, actually, there’s a lot more to say about this exciting new collaboration in Washington winemaking, with its roots in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater. R|A stands for Reynvaan and Andrews – representing a friendship spanning generations between the two co-founding families. Matt Reynvan is the acclaimed winemaker of Reynvaan Family Vineyards, while entrepreneur Rob Andrews comes from a family with a long-held connection to the land.

R|A Family Wines

Keep your eyes out for R|A Family Wines, a new chapter in Washington state wine from esteemed winemaker Matt Reynvaan, and Rob and Janie Andrews. Their inaugural wine, JDA Project 2023 Syrah, is an elegant, silky, plush, and peppery Syrah from the Rocks District. The three of them popped the corks at a launch event at El Gaucho Aqua in Seattle last week, where we also tasted two excellent Reynvaan 2023 wines paired with delicious bites. Specifically, Queens Road White, In the Rocks Vineyard, blends 50% Viognier and 50% Marsanne. Stonessence Syrah, also In the Rocks Vineyard, is a standout classic Reynvaan Rocks Syrah.

JDA Project 2023 Syrah

The inaugural R|A Family Wines JDA Project 2003 Syrah is a limited production wine (400 cases) from J. David Vineyard, created to express the unique style of Rocks Syrah. The vineyard name J. David honors Rob’s father and his family’s farming heritage. “R|A Family Wines is anchored by J. David Vineyard, a 9.5-acre estate planted in 2020 and built from the ground up with a singular focus: to craft world-class Syrah that reflects the distinct character of this storied region.”

At the launch party, Matt told us that JDA Project 2023 Syrah intentionally does not have the aromas and flavors of heavy funk like so many Rocks Syrahs. Rather, this luxurious wine features intensity, depth, power, purity, and layering of a special savoriness, and an unmistakable minerality.

“From the beginning, this was about building something intentional, something that reflects both the place and the people behind it. J. David Vineyard is the guide. Every decision, from farming to élevage, is in service of expressing that site with clarity and precision.”

Rob added, “This has been years in the making. It’s about family, long-standing relationships, and a shared belief in what this vineyard can become over time. We’re building something meant to last.”

The Label

From the start, JDA Project was the working name of the wine. It stuck because it is based on Rob’s father’s initials, J. David Andrews, so it’s personal and rooted in family legacy.

In the beginning, sample bottles were marked with strips of blue painter’s tape. The tape became a symbol of the project, and remains on the bottles today.

Summary: R|A Family Wines

In conclusion, Matt Reynvaan is renowned for crafting excellent Washington wine, and his latest chapter continues that trend with Rob and Janie. Matt’s stunning R|A Family Wines JDA Project 2023 Syrah is the remarkable first page of what is bound to be an exceptional story. This is a special wine for a special occasion. We hope you have an opportunity to taste it.

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Cheers!
Margot and Dave