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Inventory updated: Tue, Feb 03, 2026 04:02 PM cst
Our vintages of Rhys wine currently include: 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Flickinger Fine Wines' inventory of Rhys wine is listed below. We have an excellent and vast assortment of fine wines to choose from. If you do not see what you are looking for, give us a call and we can suggest another Rhys vintage or even another producer that we are sure you will enjoy.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Rhys |
2013 |
Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir (1.5 L)  |
$297.50 |
1 |
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WA 96+ (10/2015): Not made since 2006 and described by Kevin as the ultimate expression of the vineyard, the 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Hillside Vineyard was a cellar selection (done blind) that ended up coming all from the same block of steep, east-facing vines. It has an almost Horseshoe like level of minerality in its gunpowder, flinty minerality, dusty soil, dried roses, and sweet red fruit aromas and flavors. Fresh, vibrant and weightless, yet with rocking depth and texture, it's a serious wine that tastes like the Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir on steroids. It has more fruit and depth than the straight Alpine release, so its actually more enjoyable today, yet will age even better.
VM 96 (7/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard Hillside is endowed with a real sense of vertical lift. Beams of tannin give the 2013 much of its energy and overall tension. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, graphite, mint, lavender and spices are all super-expressive, with considerable aromatic intensity added by the inclusion of 100% whole clusters. This powerful yet sleek Pinot won't be ready to drink for a number of years, but it is compelling, even today. Antonio Galloni.
BH 92 (4/2016): An overtly floral-suffused nose offers up cool and admirably pure aromas of red cherry, pomegranate and subtle spice nuances. There is fine energy and volume to the lightly mineral-laden middle weight flavors that possess both good focus and delineation, all wrapped in a dusty and ever-so-mildly austere finale. This is beautifully harmonious and understated and while there is sufficient mid-palate fat to allow it to be enjoyed young, the supporting structure is sufficiently firm to suggest that it will require at least 5 to 7 years to soften and reward at least a decade's worth. Drink 2021+. Outstanding! |
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2007 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$80.75 |
2 |
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BH 93 (10/2009): While understandably similar to the straight Alpine, there are some differences, in particular that the floral component from the stems is even more apparent and the fruit is ever-so-slightly fresher if not more complex or elegant. The flavor profile itself is also similar but again, there are subtle distinctions such as the slightly better detail and delineation on the mid-palate and the finish displays notably more structure that confers a dusty quality to the sappy finish. This is terrific and should also be capable of aging gracefully for up to a decade. Drink 2015+. Outstanding!
VM 92 (6/2009): Light yellow. Seductive perfume of pear, sweet butter, hazelnut and nougat, with a strong mineral underpinning. Tangy, sharply focused citrus flavors are complemented by smoky minerals and a hint of honeysuckle. The minerality gains strength on the long, sappy, smoky finish, adding impressive energy and cut. This is balanced to reward cellaring but there's a lot going on right now. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2010 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
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| |
VM 93 (8/2012): In this vintage, the 2010 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is one of the more immediate wines in the lineup. It has plenty of fruit and depth, but not quite the complexity or layered personality of the very best wines in the Rhys lineup. Today it comes across as a bit one-dimensional, with pure power reigning over all else. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. Antonio Galloni.
BH 91 (1/2013): This is one of the riper wines in the range and it displays its wood treatment a bit more prominently as well with cassis, plum, spice and dried rose petal scents. There is good volume and a seductive mid-palate as there is good concentration and sap to the delicious yet entirely serious finish that is supported by firm but not aggressive tannins. This is really very good, if a bit of an outlier stylistically. Drink 2017+. Outstanding! |
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2012 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir (375 ML) |
$39 |
1 |
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VM 94+ (7/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is one of the more reticent, backward wines in the range today. Firm tannins provide the underlying framework for an impeccable, pure Pinot long on crystalline energy and intensity. The flavors really pulsate here, while expressive floral and savory overtones add an attractive upper register. This is a rare 2012 that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to show at its best. The Alpine was done with 50% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (4/2015): Coming from a site close to where the Horseshoe Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from, the 2012 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is more structured in 2012, with beautiful balance and focus in its whole cluster-influenced bouquet of Asian spices, smoked earth, black cherry and big mineral-like characteristics. Firm, tight, edgy and backwards, with good acidity and a medium to full-bodied, structured palate, this smoking Pinot Noir needs short-term cellaring, but will be long-lived.
BH 92 (1/2015): A subtle application of wood blends into the ripe plum and dark raspberry suffused nose where again there are pretty floral and spice notes. There is fine verve and a more elegant mouth feel to the delicious and relatively round medium weight flavors that possess fine depth and really lovely balance on the lingering finish. I really like the delivery as it's lacy but serious and like the straight pinot noir this should drink well young yet age effortlessly thanks to the impeccably good balance. Drink 2020+. Outstanding! |
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2012 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$75 |
1 |
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VM 94+ (7/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is one of the more reticent, backward wines in the range today. Firm tannins provide the underlying framework for an impeccable, pure Pinot long on crystalline energy and intensity. The flavors really pulsate here, while expressive floral and savory overtones add an attractive upper register. This is a rare 2012 that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to show at its best. The Alpine was done with 50% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (4/2015): Coming from a site close to where the Horseshoe Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from, the 2012 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is more structured in 2012, with beautiful balance and focus in its whole cluster-influenced bouquet of Asian spices, smoked earth, black cherry and big mineral-like characteristics. Firm, tight, edgy and backwards, with good acidity and a medium to full-bodied, structured palate, this smoking Pinot Noir needs short-term cellaring, but will be long-lived.
BH 92 (1/2015): A subtle application of wood blends into the ripe plum and dark raspberry suffused nose where again there are pretty floral and spice notes. There is fine verve and a more elegant mouth feel to the delicious and relatively round medium weight flavors that possess fine depth and really lovely balance on the lingering finish. I really like the delivery as it's lacy but serious and like the straight pinot noir this should drink well young yet age effortlessly thanks to the impeccably good balance. Drink 2020+. Outstanding! |
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2012 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir (3.0 L) |
$289 |
1 |
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| |
VM 94+ (7/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is one of the more reticent, backward wines in the range today. Firm tannins provide the underlying framework for an impeccable, pure Pinot long on crystalline energy and intensity. The flavors really pulsate here, while expressive floral and savory overtones add an attractive upper register. This is a rare 2012 that is going to need at least a few years in bottle to show at its best. The Alpine was done with 50% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (4/2015): Coming from a site close to where the Horseshoe Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from, the 2012 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is more structured in 2012, with beautiful balance and focus in its whole cluster-influenced bouquet of Asian spices, smoked earth, black cherry and big mineral-like characteristics. Firm, tight, edgy and backwards, with good acidity and a medium to full-bodied, structured palate, this smoking Pinot Noir needs short-term cellaring, but will be long-lived.
BH 92 (1/2015): A subtle application of wood blends into the ripe plum and dark raspberry suffused nose where again there are pretty floral and spice notes. There is fine verve and a more elegant mouth feel to the delicious and relatively round medium weight flavors that possess fine depth and really lovely balance on the lingering finish. I really like the delivery as it's lacy but serious and like the straight pinot noir this should drink well young yet age effortlessly thanks to the impeccably good balance. Drink 2020+. Outstanding! |
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2009 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
2 |
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VM 93 (6/2011): Bright ruby. Intriguingly perfumed bouquet of strawberry and raspberry, along with a high-pitched blood orange note and a seductive floral quality. Shows an array of sweet red fruit and spice flavors and a zesty mineral nuance that adds sharpness and definition. The finish leaves suave floral and spicecake notes behind, along with emphatically juicy red fruits and a hint of cola.
BH 93 (10/2011): (from Anderson Valley fruit that sits next to Kaiser Vineyard; 13.9%). A ripe, spicy and quite densely fruited nose speaks of a pretty mix of both red and blue pinot fruit along with background hints of cassis. The restrained intense and strikingly well-detailed medium-bodied flavors possess an abundance of mouth coating extract that buffers the firm tannic spine on the impressively complex, long and exquisitely balanced finish. Drink 2016+. Outstanding!
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard offers up sweet red cherries, flowers, berries and mint in a relatively mid-weight, focused style for this winery. Clean, saline notes give the wine much of its energy and focus. It is a tight, inward wine in need of at least a few years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
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2010 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir Bin-Soiled Label |
$65 |
2 |
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VM 92 (8/2012): From a recently purchased site in the Anderson Valley, the 2010 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard stands apart from all of the other wines in the Rhys lineup. It possesses precise, brilliant aromatics and finely sculpted fruit. Overall, the Bearwallow is a subtle, refined Pinot built on finesse, with gorgeous underlying minerality and tons of class. Proprietor Kevin Harvey bought this site in 2008, and subsequently planted an additional 25 acres of vineyards to the existing six on this property. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018. Antonio Galloni.
BH 90 (1/2013): (Anderson Valley, 13.4%) Here the nose reminds me somewhat of the Skyline in that it is very restrained and similar in composition with its floral, spice and mostly dark berry fruit aromas. By contrast, while there is a lovely sense of refinement to the medium-bodied flavors there isn't the same level of concentration or depth of material, particularly on the otherwise balanced and very pretty finish. This is certainly lovely but good as it is it's clearly not at the same level as the best here. Drink 2016+. |
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2011 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
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BH 91 (1/2014): This is less obviously floral than the Alpine but slightly more aromatically complex with its elegant aromas of violets, plums and red currants. There is really lovely intensity to the delicious middle weight flavors that possess a bit more volume before culminating in a structured, serious and clearly built-to-age finish. Good stuff. Drink 2019+. Outstanding!
VM 90 (7/2013): Sweet tobacco, herbs, licorice and dried black cherries lift out of the glass in the 2011 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard. Subtle floral and savory notes are woven throughout. The 2011 shows lovely energy and depth, but also the modest structure typical of Anderson Valley Pinots in this vintage. I expect the Bearwallow 2011 will drink well pretty much upon release and for at least a handful of years to follow. This is a terrific showing in a vintage that was very tough in the Anderson Valley. The 2011 was made with 35% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni.
WA 90 (4/2015): Like in 2012, the 2011 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is distinctly different than the Santa Cruz Mountain releases in both its aromatics and texture. Giving up loads of underbrush, juniper berry, lavender, currants and sweet kirsch, it hits the palate with medium-bodied depth and richness, nicely integrated acidity and tannin, and a clean, focused finish that lacks length compared to the 2012. Elegant, upfront, complex and classy, drink it over the coming 4-5 years. |
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2004 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
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| BH 88 (7/2006): Harvey indicated that the oak regimen on this wine was an experiment and I can see why as the impact on the wine is distinctly different from any of the others reviewed here. The reason is that there is noticeable oak toast framing the violet and red berry fruit aromas and it continues onto the sweet, round and delicious flavors that offer good concentration and plenty of depth on the admirably long finish. If you're not sensitive to oak in general, you will undoubtedly find this more to your taste than mine but the wine is unquestionably marked by its oak. This is also solidly structured and will be capable of up to a decade of improvement. |
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2009 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
10 |
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WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir Family Farm is one of the more delicate, ethereal wines in the lineup. Fermentation with 100% whole clusters gives the Family Farm a distinctly floral bouquet and graceful fruit. It is an impeccably elegant wine from start to finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019.
VM 93 (6/2011): Bright red. Perfumed aromas of raspberry preserves, Asian spices and rose oil, along with a hint of mocha. Sappy, penetrating and fresh, with juicy red berry and cherry flavors, silky texture and a late kick of spices. Open-knit and very easy to drink, finishing with impressive clarity and lingering red fruit notes.
BH 91 (10/2011): (from San Mateo County fruit; 13.4%). Distinct floral and spice notes add nuance to the elegant and airy red berry fruit aromas that lead to rich, supple and forward middle weight flavors that possess fine detail and purity to the delicious and beautifully long finish. Among the Rhys wines, the Family Farm and Skyline Vineyards are those which are built more along the lines of finesse than power. Drink 2015+. Outstanding! |
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2010 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
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VM 96 (8/2012): A drop-dead gorgeous wine, the 2010 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard boasts stunning richness, depth and power. Juicy dark berries, wild flowers, licorice, tar, smoke and game emerge from the glass. The balance of aromatics, fruit and structure is simply fabulous. Fans of the Rhys wines will flip over the Family Farm in 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. Antonio Galloni.
BH 89 (1/2013): (San Mateo County, 12.7%.) There is substantial wood showing and the dark berry fruit and violet aromas are almost overwhelmed. The wood is also present on the delicious, round and solidly well-concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess good punch and a seductive mouth feel, all wrapped in a persistent finish where the wood rounds off and slightly sweetens it. There is very good material here and thus it's entirely possible that the wood will be successfully integrated in time but at the moment it is too much for my preference. Drink 2017+. |
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2010 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$55 |
3 |
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VM 96 (8/2012): A drop-dead gorgeous wine, the 2010 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard boasts stunning richness, depth and power. Juicy dark berries, wild flowers, licorice, tar, smoke and game emerge from the glass. The balance of aromatics, fruit and structure is simply fabulous. Fans of the Rhys wines will flip over the Family Farm in 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. Antonio Galloni.
BH 89 (1/2013): (San Mateo County, 12.7%.) There is substantial wood showing and the dark berry fruit and violet aromas are almost overwhelmed. The wood is also present on the delicious, round and solidly well-concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess good punch and a seductive mouth feel, all wrapped in a persistent finish where the wood rounds off and slightly sweetens it. There is very good material here and thus it's entirely possible that the wood will be successfully integrated in time but at the moment it is too much for my preference. Drink 2017+. |
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2011 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
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VM 91 (7/2013): The 2011 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is one of the wilder wines in this range of 2011 Pinots. Game, tar, licorice and dark fruits all take on an intensely mineral personality with distinct volcanic overtones reminiscent of Aglianico and Taurasi. The layered, exotic finish is compelling and full of character. Antonio Galloni.
WA 90 (4/2015): Still showing its oak elevage, with some char and vanilla in its sweet cherry, old hearth, roasted herbs and licorice aromas and flavors, the 2011 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is medium-bodied, nicely textured and has notable acidity that comes through on the finish. This is one of the few wines from Kevin where the oak sticks out (it does integrate more with air), nevertheless, it's still Outstanding and has lots to love. I suspect it will evolve nicely for another 5-7 years.
BH 88 (1/2014): This is completely different as there is plenty of wood toast and even a hint of tar that fights somewhat with the black raspberry and plum aromas. There is good vibrancy to the concentrated and extract-rich flavors that are overtly robust, all wrapped in a muscular finish where the tar character resurfaces. This is impressively scaled but awkward today as the style is not consistent with the other wines in the range. Drink 2019+. |
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2011 |
Home Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
1 |
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VM 96 (7/2013): The 2011 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard bursts from glass with racy red berries, flowers, smoke, licorice, incense and orange peel. Exotic, beguiling and beautifully layered, the 2011 boasts stunning depth, yet weightless elegance and tons of pure personality. The racy, explosive finish is a marvel to behold. An utterly dazzling Pinot, the 2011 should drink well for years. It is one of the few California Pinots I would bet on to age gracefully for more than a decade. This dazzling Pinot Noir has pedigree and structure to burn. In a word: superb! Home was the first parcel to ripen in 2011, and as such, the team felt the stems were ripe enough to use a mostly whole clusters, 93% to be exact. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94 (4/2015): I loved the 2011 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard, and this is a wonderfully complete, classic and classy Pinot Noir that has everything. Loaded with notions of sweet cherries, currants, mulling spices, wood smoke and forest floor, this beauty hits the palate with no hard edges, a silky, layered, multidimensional texture and a great finish that still has some tannic grip. Like all of the 2011s, it's more evolved than the 2012 and already drinking nicely. Nevertheless, it should evolve gracefully going forward and I'd drink this beautiful Pinot Noir anytime over the coming decade.
BH 92 (1/2014): This is much more elegant with admirable purity to the refined combination of both red and blue pinot fruit, spice and violet-inflected scents. There is equally good refinement to the beautifully well-delineated and vibrant medium-bodied flavors that also exhibit a robust and muscular finish that is impeccably well-balanced. This is quite firm and will definitely require a few years of cellar time. Drink 2020+. Outstanding! |
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2012 |
Home Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
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VM 94 (7/2014): Orange rind, graphite, pine, mint and crushed rocks jump from the glass in the 2012 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard. One of the more vibrant, chiseled wines in the range, the Home will benefit from further time in bottle. The translucent, crystalline finish is a thing of beauty. In this vintage, the Home was done with 100% whole clusters. Quite remarkably, the Home Vineyard lies just 400 yards away from Family Farm, separated by the San Andreas Fault, yet the wines from these two sites are completely different. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (4/2015): Coming from Kevin's first estate vineyard that was planted in 1995, the 2012 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard (100% whole cluster) is decidedly fresh and lively, with tangy acidity in its black cherry, currants, pine, sappy underbrush and earthy aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, lively, structured and still backwards, with plenty of polished tannin that build on the mid-palate and finish, this Burgundian lookalike needs short-term cellaring and will have 10-15 years of overall longevity. This site shares similarities to the Family Farm Vineyard, yet the soil here is more decomposed sandstone and clay, and the wines are distinctly different.
BH 92 (1/2015): The wood treatment is more obvious though it remains subtle as it allows the notably ripe aromas of plum, dark chocolate, dried flowers and essence of black cherry to shine. There is a sleek mouth feel to the voluminous and beautifully detailed flavors that possess fine mid-palate concentration and really lovely depth and length. The intensity does a slow build from the mid-palate to the beautifully long finale and about the only nit is a discreet hint of warmth. Drink 2020+. Outstanding! |
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2008 |
Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
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BH 95 (10/2010): An exceptionally densely fruited nose that is intensely floral and nuanced with stone, spice and soft earth hints complements to perfection the impressively concentrated medium weight plus flavors that brim with dry extract such that the very firm tannins are rendered almost invisible at present though I suspect that they will become more visible as the baby fat recedes. This broad-scaled effort should age for up to a decade and last several more. Magnificent. Drink 2016+. Outstanding.
WA 87 (2/2011): The 2008 Syrah Horseshoe Ranch (also fermented with 100% stems and aged in 25% new French oak) comes from a parcel planted at a 1,600 foot elevation. While it was impressive from barrel last year, it now reveals more tannin as well as a muscular, masculine, austere, angular, brittle style. Hints of tea, earth and red currants are buried under the hard, sinewy, charmless tannins. This wine may become desiccated unless it fleshes out and reveals more depth of fruit. There is always a delicate balance between the concentration of fruit, ripeness and tannic structure. It is prudent to be skeptical when the tannins dominate a wine’s fruit characteristics so dramatically. It will be interesting to taste this offering in 3-4 years as it is certainly going to last given the acid and tannin profiles. However, I do not know whether it will ever develop much charm or generosity. |
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2010 |
Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
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VM 95 (8/2012): The 2010 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard is another wine with superb integrity in its fruit and terrific overall balance. Juicy red berries, hard candy. flowers, mint and spices are all woven together nicely. The whole clusters are very nicely balanced. There is wonderful focus and vibrancy throughout, leading to a weightless, totally gracious finish. Antonio Galloni.
BH 90 (1/2013): Here the floral dark berry fruit and spice-tinged nose is presently marked by the toasty wood though an hour or so of air helps to dissipate it. There is good volume and mid-palate density to the delicious, round and nicely detailed medium-bodied flavors that exhibit noticeable bitterness on the otherwise attractively long finish. The extended aeration also helped to largely, if not completely, dissipate the bitterness and it seems clear that this will be one of those wines that is best left to slumber in the cellar for several years first as it's conspicuously awkward today. |
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2013 |
Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
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VM 96 (7/2015): An absolute triumph from Rhys, the 2013 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard is all about translucence and a total sense of weightlessness. The flavors are lifted and precise throughout in an utterly captivating Pinot that captures the essence of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Hints of rose petal, dark red cherry, anise and licorice grace the haunting, exquisite finish. The Horseshoe is arguably the most refined of these 2013 Pinots from Rhys.
WA 95+ (10/2015): This steep, south facing parcel always yields a mineral-style of wine and the 2013 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard lives up to expectations. Currants, rose petals, forest floor and crushed rocks all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, sexy, yet unsurprisingly tight, structured and firm 2013. It's another 2013 that needs 2-3 years of cellaring and will have 15 years or more of overall longevity.
BH 93 (4/2016): There are extremely subtle whispers of tar, tobacco and earth lurking in the background of the very deeply pitched aromas of black currant, plum, violets and soy. Like the Horseshoe Hillside this is a robust and muscular effort that possesses seriously good mid-palate concentration as the dry extract imparts a velvety texture as well as balancing off the firm but not hard tannins that shape the chewy, intense and strikingly persistent finish. As good as this is, and it is indeed very, very good, it doesn't quite have the 'wow' factor of its counterpart. Still, this beauty is well-worth having in your cellar provided that you have the intent to cellar it for the longer-term. Drink 2023+. Outstanding! |
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2012 |
San Mateo County Pinot Noir (375 ML) |
$35 |
1 |
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| VM 91 (6/2014): Bright ruby. Pungent dark berries and cherry on the nose, with smoky mineral and rose nuances adding complexity. On the palate, juicy blackberry and bitter cherry flavors are complicated by suggestions of licorice and candied rose. Spreads out nicely on the finish, which is framed by supple, well-knit tannins. This sexy pinot is delicious right now. Antonio Galloni. |
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2008 |
Skyline Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
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BH 94 (10/2010): A more elegant and refined nose places perhaps even more emphasis on the floral component found in all of the Rhys wines that gives way to highly complex and equally refined middle weight flavors that are quite classy and while there is no lack of power or structure, the tannins are finer, all wrapped in a stunningly long and mineral-infused finish. A very stylish effort that should reward medium to long-term cellaring. Drink 2016+. Outstanding.
WA 92-94+ (2/2010): The gorgeous 2008 Pinot Noir Skyline Vineyard (175 cases from a 3 acre vineyard planted at 2,300 feet of elevation) boasts powdered rock and floral notes intermixed with sweet plum, sassafras, autumnal/forest, dark raspberry, and allspice characteristics. The complex aromatics are followed by a wine with vibrant acidity as well as impressive depth and richness. Cellar it for 2-3 years, and consume it over the following 15 or more. |
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2009 |
Skyline Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
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BH 94 (10/2011): (from Santa Cruz Mountains fruit that is planted to an incredible density of 7,000 vines per acre or the equivalent of 17,500 vines per ha; 12.6%). A reserved and notably cooler nose of crystalline purity offers up notes of spicy diverse red berry fruit aromas that complement to perfection the exceptionally elegant and refined medium weight flavors that are shaped and supported by very firm but ripe tannins, all wrapped in a dusty and stunningly long finish. This is a wine of harmony, indeed this strikes me as quite Zen-like as the structure is very fine grained. Drink 2016+. Outstanding!
VM 94 (6/2011): Bright ruby. Intensely perfumed, assertive bouquet evokes redcurrant, raspberry and spicecake complemented by smoky minerals and building florality. Pure, precise and deeply concentrated but shockingly lithe, offering sweet red fruit flavors and a steely mineral spine. Unwinds with air to offer deeper cherry and black raspberry qualities while maintaining energy and focus. The finish is racy, subtly sweet and very persistent. Definitely give this a few years of bottle age.
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir Skyline Vineyard comes across as rich, round and sensual, with layers of ripe fruit that caress the palate. It is a pretty, juicy Pinot with good up-front fruit and perhaps a shade less minerality and aromatic complexity than the finest wines in this lineup. The aromas and flavors build towards the powerful finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019+. |
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2011 |
Skyline Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
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| VM 94 (6/2013): Deep red. Pungent, high-pitched aromas of raspberry, blood orange, sandalwood and fresh flowers. Juicy and sharply focused, offering penetrating red fruit and rose pastille flavors and a sexy Asian spice flourish. Subtly sweet, delicate and alluringly perfumed on the gently tannic finish, which shows superb clarity and length. This wine clocks in at 12.6% alcohol. |
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| | USA White |
| Rhys |
2008 |
Alpine Vyd. Chardonnay |
$79 |
1 |
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| VM 94 (6/2010): Bright yellow. Compellingly pure, complex nose melds citrus fruits, ginger, smoky minerals and a strong oyster shell quality. Impressively dense and vibrant in the mouth, conveying an impression of mineral-driven power and structure. This penetrating, voluminous wine boasts incredible depth without any impression of weight. Fruit is playing a supporting role here. The fine-grained, tactile finish offers exceptional clarity and length. This was among the finest chardonnays I tasted during my early March trip. |
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2009 |
Alpine Vyd. Chardonnay |
$89 |
5 |
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VM 94 (6/2011): Vivid yellow. Musky aromas of chamomile, pear skin, anise and iodine, with suave floral and gingerbread notes emerging with aeration. Juicy and broad on entry, then a bit tighter in the middle, offering densely packed orchard fruit flavors and notes of smoke and honeysuckle. More powerful than the Horseshoe but no less animated. This complex and tactile chardonnay boasts an intriguing interplay of ripe fruit and energetic spices. Finishes on a gently smoky note, with excellent persistence.
WA 93 (8/2011): The 2009 Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard is the most vibrant, mineral-laced of these 2009 Chardonnays. Clean, mineral notes frame the fruit all the way through to the vibrant, pointed finish. This is a terrific effort from Rhys. Bright citrus and crushed rocks frame the finish. The 2007, which I tasted alongside it, has aged gracefully. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
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2010 |
Alpine Vyd. Chardonnay |
$95 |
3 |
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VM 95 (5/2012): Pale yellow, with a green hue. More mineral-driven than the Horseshoe bottling, displaying scents of candied citrus fruits, pear, anise, honeysuckle and sea salt. Pure and incisive on the palate, with strikingly pure lime, lemon and pear flavors complicated by floral and mineral qualities. Lingers with Outstanding intensity, leaving notes of iodine, licorice and lime zest behind.
WA 94 (8/2012): The 2010 Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard is a much deeper, vertical wine that fills out all layers of dimension and flavor. Crushed rocks, white flowers and lemon are some of the notes that flow from this powerful, intense Chardonnay. The Alpine is all about tension and energy. I loved it. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. |
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2011 |
Alpine Vyd. Chardonnay |
$100 |
1 |
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| VM 93 (6/2013): Vivid gold. Spice-accented aromas of peach pit, tangerine and white flowers, with a buttery nuance adding depth. Shows very good energy, offering sappy orchard and pit fruit flavors and a touch of bitter citrus pith. Finishes smoky and long, with resonating floral and toasted nut notes and suave minerality. |
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2009 |
Horseshoe Vyd. Chardonnay Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$79 |
2 |
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VM 94 (6/2011): Bright yellow. Lively, assertive aromas of orange zest, jasmine, mint, iodine and smoky minerals. Pure and incisive, with energetic, mineral-accented citrus and green apple flavors that gain weight with air. Finishes with excellent clarity and spicy cut, strongly echoing the orange and iodine notes. I suspect this vivacious wine will put on weight with a few more years of bottle age. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard emerges from the glass with layers of sweet fruit supported by the clean vibrancy that is the hallmark of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This is an attractive, layered wine made in fairly forward, fruit-driven style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. |
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