Rhys Wine at Flickinger Wines

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USA Red

Rhys

2007

Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir

$125

BH 93 (10/2009): (from Santa Cruz Mountains fruit; 12.9%). 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 93 (6/2009): (12.9% alcohol) Saturated red. Explosively perfumed aromas of red and dark berries, graphite, wilted rose and incense. Spicy raspberry and boysenberry flavors reach every corner of the palate, picking up floral pastille, succulent herb and anise qualities with air. Manages to be both powerful and weightless, and boasts excellent finishing clarity and mineral thrust.

WA 94-96 (12/2008): (no tasting note given)

2013

Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir (1.5 L)

$350

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!

2006

Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir

$89

WA 90 (12/2008): The Rhys 2006 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is a structured, now somewhat backward style of Pinot Noir with deep ruby color, notes of spring flowers, black cherries, dusty, loamy soil nuances, and some underbrush. The wine is deep, layered, but also formidably structured for Pinot, with good acidity and high tannins. Give this wine another 2 years of bottle age and watch it evolve over the following decade or more.

VM 89+ (6/2008): Light red. Musky red berry and cherry aromas are complicated by smoky loam and pungent herbs. Taut raspberry and bitter cherry flavors pick up sweet cured tobacco and cocoa powder character with air, along with dusty tannins. Finishes with mounting grip and good sappy cling. The least forthcoming of this set of pinot releases right now, but possesses good concentration and no excess weight.

WS 82 (12/2008): This is dry, showing savory herb, dried currant and berry, with hints of loamy earth. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 500 cases made.

2007

Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir

$95

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.

2013

Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L)

$157

VM 94 (7/2015): Sweet red cherry, plum, mint, spice and expressive floral notes form a super-appealing backdrop of aromas and flavors in the 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard. Open-knit and super-expressive, the 2013 boasts superb textural balance and finesse. A final burst of red stone fruit and pomegranate hits the finely-knit, delicate finish.

WA 94 (10/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard has a touch of darker fruit in its strawberry, cassis, dusty soil and earthy bouquet. This flows to a beautifully textured, seamless Pinot Noir that has sound underlying structure, medium plus-bodied richness and a great finish. Possessing both fruit and structure, it should be accessible for all of its life.

2014

Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir (375 ML)

$39

VM 95 (7/2015): The 2014 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard bristles with energy. Rose petal, mint, white pepper and blood orange give the Alpine its super-appealing aromatic upper register, but there is plenty of depth lurking beneath. Here the flavors are bright and nicely focused, while the richness of the vintage is mostly felt in the dense, potent finish. Antonio Galloni.

WA 94 (10/2016): Another complete, broad and layered red that delivers on all accounts, the 2014 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard reveals a healthy ruby color as well as a darker core of red and black raspberry fruits, peppery spice and forest floor in its medium to full-bodied, balanced personality. I love its mid-palate, and while it certainly offers pleasure today, it should be at its best from 2019-2029.

2014

Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

$64

2013

Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir (500 ML)

$45

WA 93 (10/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is as sexy and fruit driven as the wines from this estate get. Giving up tons of strawberries, blueberries, crushed violets and assorted floral notes, it's upfront and layered on the palate, with plenty of fruit, good concentration and a big finish. Shining for its mouth filling fruit and texture, it's still far from blowsy or soft, and should evolve nicely.

VM 93 (7/2015): From the coolest part of Anderson Valley, the 2013 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard hits the palate with a rush of dark fruit. Round, supple and pliant through to the finish, the 2013 is all about texture. Bright saline notes add energy to the creamy, beautifully layered finish. Today my impression is that the Bearwallow will drink well sooner than many of the other wines in the range.

BH 91 (4/2016): A slightly riper nose offers notes of violet, plus, dark currant and black cherry that are trimmed in discreet spice and floral elements. There is a bit more volume and richness to the medium-bodied flavors that are generously proportioned and almost lush yet they tighten up on the delicious, dusty and sneaky long finish. This is texturally much different from the two Alpine cuvees with more flesh but less delicacy. Drink 2020+. Outstanding!

WS 88 (7/2015): Dusty, fresh-turned earth scents lean toward a trim, well-balanced mix of loam and gravel-laced dried berry flavors, ending with taut, fresh, damp earth notes. Drink now through 2021. 1,000 cases made.

2014

Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir (500 ML)

$45

WA 94 (10/2016): The 2014 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is a solid step up over the Anderson Valley release and has more tension, elegance and precision. Offering up classic notes of strawberries, spice, black cherries and a touch of sous bois, it has medium to full-bodied richness, terrific purity of fruit and integrated acidity. Give bottles a year or two and drink through 2026.

2016

Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir (500 ML)

$65

BH 93 (4/2019): Here too the cool and restrained nose is wonderfully perfumed with its array of spice and floral elements adding excellent breadth to the essence of red currant, pomegranate and sandalwood scents. The gorgeously textured, intense and detailed medium weight plus flavors possess evident muscle, punch and power where the latter really comes up on the firm and tightly wound finish that once again delivers sneaky good length. This is not as refined as either of the two Alpine entries but it's bigger, indeed to the point of being robust. Impressive but note well that this is a wine to buy and forget it in some dark corner of your cellar! Drink 2028+.

JD 93 (2/2019): Ample spice, herbes de Provence, Bing cherry, and pomegranate notes emerge from the 2016 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard. It’s medium-bodied, fresh, and nicely focused, with the more savory, mineral style of the Anderson Valley front and center. It has good structure yet is also accessible. It should drink nicely for a decade.

2007

Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir

$69

VM 92 (6/2009): Deep red. Ripe cherry and dark berries on the nose, with dried rose and black cardamom notes gaining power with air. Deeply concentrated cherry and dark berry flavors are surprisingly nervy and focused, with a sweet floral pastille quality lending complexity. The finish is spicy, focused and very persistent, leaving sweet cherry preserve notes behind.

BH 91 (10/2009): (from San Mateo County fruit; 13.4%). A floral, pure and ultra elegant nose of freshly crushed red berry fruit aromas merge into delicious, ripe and admirably concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess a supple mouth feel on the mid-palate but tighten up considerably on the firm, mouth coating and moderately austere finish that is balanced and lingering. Most impressive and this could surprise to the upside. Drink 2014+. Outstanding!

WA 90-93 (12/2008): Under the flagship Rhys moniker, the Rhys 2007 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard looks to be a brilliant Pinot Noir from clay/loamy soils and sandstone. This Pinot exhibits intense red cherry and black raspberry fruit intermixed with some damp earth and forest floor notes. The wine is medium to full-bodied, elegant, pure, and just hinting at its ultimate potential. Backward, with an attractive acid profile, and sweet, noble tannin, this wine should hit its peak in about 3 years and last for at least a decade.

2008

Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir

$59

BH 92 (10/2010): An attractively layered and fresh ripe red berry fruit and overtly floral nose offers excellent complexity that continues onto the rich but elegantly rendered medium-bodied flavors that possess a seductive texture and perfect balance on the lingering finish. This should age extremely well as everything is in perfect proportion.

VM 91 (6/2010): Vivid medium red. Fresh, complex nose melds musky raspberry, blood orange, smoky minerality, brown spices, mocha and underbrush. Firm, gripping and almost weightless but packed with red fruit flavors, picking up a bitter cherry pit quality with air. Finishes very long, sweet and perfumed, with fine-grained tannins and notes of singed orange and Asian spices. Pretty impressive and complex already.

WA 88-91+ (2/2010): Under the Rhys label, the 2008 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard (600 cases) reveals a dark ruby color along with lots of pomegranate, red currant, and cherry notes, tart acids, medium to full body, a distinct stemminess (that no doubt comes from 100% whole clusters), and firm, hard tannins in the finish. This cuvee is clearly built for aging, and if my instincts are correct, it will evolve for 10-12 years.

2012

Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir

$45

VM 93 (7/2014): The 2012 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is wonderfully supple and radiant, with the fruit front and center and aromatics more in the background. Silky tannins support a core of dark red stone fruits, spices, new leather and pine. I expect the 2012 will provide a wide and relatively long drinking window of pure pleasure. The 2012 was done with 60% whole clusters, all beautifully integrated, even at this early stage of the game. Antonio Galloni.

WA 92 (4/2015): Coming from a former Christmas tree farm turned vineyard, the 2012 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is one of the more perfumed, forward and textured releases in the lineup. Coming from clay, sandy soils and an east-facing slope that's protected from the warmer afternoon sun, this beauty (which was fermented with 60% whole clusters in 2012) has a lively, intense bouquet of sweet black cherries, spice, potpourri and assorted floral characteristics. This gives way to a seamless, silky and elegant Pinot Noir that, while surprisingly forward, has a solid, full mid-palate, solid depth, moderate acidity and a great finish. Drink this beauty anytime over the coming 7-8 years.

BH 91 (1/2015): The floral component that many of the wines in the range display is more evident along with the same lovely freshness to the dark pinot fruit and Asian tea aromas. From a textural standpoint this more resembles the Alpine as there is good verve and detail to the middle weight flavors that culminate in a palate coating, balanced and impressively lingering finish. This is exceptionally pretty but doesn't quite have the depth of the best in the range, at least not yet. Drink 2019+. Outstanding!

WS 87 (7/2015): Firm and dusty, with savory dried berry notes and crushed rock earthiness, ending with gritty tannins. Drink now through 2024.

2013

Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir (500 ML)

$30

VM 91-93 (7/2014): A rush of cranberry, blood orange, white pepper and spice notes race across the palate in the 2013 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard. Pretty floral and spice overtones from inclusion of 60% whole clusters add he final layers of complexity. Re-tasted: October 2014.

2014

Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir (375 ML)

$45

VM 93 (7/2016): A striking, expressive wine, the 2014 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard wraps around the palate with serious intensity. The effect of the drought comes through in the wine's sheer weight and textural breadth. The 40% whole clusters are nearly buried by the sheer intensity of the fruit. Black cherry, mocha, plum, graphite, sage and menthol give the 2014 much of its virile, imposing personality. The clay-rich soils here contribute to the wine's ample, creamy feel. Kevin Harvey adds that this site has been dry farmed for nine years. Antonio Galloni.

2007

Home Vyd. Pinot Noir

$99

VM 91+ (5/2009): Vivid red. A pungent, expansive bouquet of red berry and cherry liqueur, smoky minerals and Indian spices. Deep, chewy red fruit flavors are given structure by cherry skin and black cardamom qualities. Unfolds with air and picks up a suave, spicy character that carries through the mineral-driven finish. This deserves patience, or at least some decanter time. Stephen Tanzer.

BH 90 (10/2009): A more expressive, indeed even perfumed nose that is also distinctly floral in character features red and black berry aromas that also display a hint of menthol before introducing rich and full-bodied flavors that are similarly quite firmly structured, long and serious. This is the only wine in the range that displays a backend hint of warmth, probably because of the remarkable transparency. Drink 2014+.

2008

Home Vyd. Pinot Noir

$89

VM 93 (6/2010): Bright violet. High-pitched, sexy aromas of black raspberry, anise, potpourri and minerals. Vivid, sharply focused red and dark berry flavors stain the palate and are braced by tangy acidity, which adds lift and definition. Gains weight and roundness with air while maintaining admirable liveliness and clarity. Finishes with impressive persistence and lingering sweetness. No new oak on this wine.

BH 92 (10/2010): Deeply colored. A notably more soil-inflected nose of primarily blue berry, violet and an interesting spice/floral component introduces rich, full-bodied, robust and serious middle weight flavors that possess ample amounts of dry extract that buffer the dusty, firm and buried tannins before culminating in a mouth coating and youthfully austere finish. This is impressive and the only nit is a touch of finishing warmth. Drink 2015+. Outstanding.

WA 90-93 (2/2010): The 2008 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard (37 cases produced) displays more density and less stemminess, even though it is also utilized 100% whole clusters. Abundant aromas of pomegranate and raspberries emerge from this darker, more broodingly backward Pinot.

2017

Home Vyd. Pinot Noir

$99

JD 94 (10/2019): From the northern part of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 2017 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard reveals a translucent ruby hue to go with complex notes of raspberries, sassafras, forest floor, spice, and exotic flowers. This round, medium to full-bodied, seamless effort has building tannins, a terrific sense of balance, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 8-10 years.

2011

Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir

$79

VM 94 (6/2013): Bright red. A highly complex nose displays scents of black raspberry, cola, potpourri, sandalwood and smoky minerals. Smells like a cross between a florist's and a head shop. Juicy red fruit and spicecake flavors of superb intensity are lifted by a sexy floral nuance and firmed by tangy acidity. Finishes with sweet, silky tannins and excellent persistence, trailing a strong rose pastille note.

2013

Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L)

$199

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!

2010

Horseshoe Vyd. Syrah

$75

VM 94 (7/2013): The 2010 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard was made from fruit harvested in November, not unusual in this cool, drawn-out growing season. Blackberry jam, cloves, menthol and licorice flesh out in a textured, deeply expressive wine endowed with tons of pure class. The 2010 was made with 100% whole clusters. Malolactic fermentation took place in tank and the wine was subsequently aged in neutral oak barrels. This is a fabulous effort in a very challenging vintage. Antonio Galloni.

WS 88 (7/2014): Presents the beefy, herbal, tobacco-accented side of cool-site Syrah. There's plenty to admire here, with pepper, bell pepper and dried herb notes. The texture is supple up front and gripping on the finish. Drink now through 2022.

2013

San Mateo County Pinot Noir

$49

WA 92 (10/2015): Much more fruit loaded and rounded than the Santa Cruz Mountains release, the 2013 Pinot Noir San Mateo County comes mostly from the Family Farm vineyard, with a touch from Horseshoe. It gives up lots of strawberry, Bing cherry, spice, and floral nuances to go with beautiful fruit and texture on the palate. It's one of the most approachable Pinots in the lineup, but I suspect it will still have another 5-7 years of longevity.

VM 91 (7/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir San Mateo County is bright and decidedly citrus-laced in its profile. Bright red cherry, orange peel, white pepper and savory herbs. The 50% whole clusters add lift, but are also impeccably balanced throughout. With time in the glass, distinctly sweet, kirsch-inflected notes are pushed forward. Delicate and lithe in the glass, the 2013 San Mateo will drink well pretty much upon release. The 2013 is mostly Family Farm with a touch of Horseshoe.

2011

Skyline Vyd. Pinot Noir

$75

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.

2006

Swan Terrace Pinot Noir

$99

BH 93 (10/2008): (from Santa Cruz Mountains fruit; 14% alcohol). A notably ripe nose that has a menthol and cranberry liqueur character plus a subtle touch of crushed herb that can also be found on the rich, full, naturally sweet and admirably detailed middle weight flavors underpinned by a fire core of ripe tannins and fine length. At present this is youthfully austere and will require 4 to 6 years to really display fully of what it's ultimately capable. Impressive. Drink 2012+. Outstanding!

VM 92 (12/2008): Saturated red. Strawberry and raspberry aromas are complicated by exotic Asian spices and gain sweetness with air. Sexy stuff, with deep, pure red and dark berry flavors, seamless texture and excellent finishing clarity. Leaves a lingering cherry skin note behind. You could drink this now for its suave fruit, but there's ample depth to reward another five-plus years of patience.

WS 89 (12/2008): Tightly structured, firm and spicy, with wild berry, black cherry and hints of sage and mineral. Those who favor their Pinots on the sleek, minerally side will find this especially appealing. Drink now through 2011. 125 cases made.

2007

Swan Terrace Pinot Noir

Lightly Bin-Soiled Label

$109

BH 94 (10/2009): ( from Santa Cruz Mountains fruit; 12.5%). A ripe, pure and airy nose of black cherry and cassis aromas trimmed in obvious floral notes that can also be found on the extremely fresh and energetic, serious and dense flavors that carry an intense minerality over to the robust, powerful and very firmly structured finish that seems to go on and on without end. This stunning effort is a clear candidate for 'wine of the vintage' honors though patience is absolutely required. Drink 2017+. Outstanding!

VM 94 (6/2009): (12.5% alcohol) Pale violet color. Drop-dead gorgeous aromas of raspberry, potpourri, Asian spices and minerals, with a strong undercurrent of white pepper and mocha; this smells like a Dujac Echezeaux, from a serious vintage. Sweet red and dark berry flavors display liqueur-like depth, tangy minerality giving the wine verve. The mineral note dominates the long, spicy finish, which echoes the red fruit and floral notes. It's hard to find this level of precision, depth and drive outside the high-rent districts of Chambolle.

WA 89-91 (12/2008): From their vineyard known as the Swan Terrace, there are 150 cases of the Rhys 2007 Pinot Noir Swan Terrace. Again, this has that almost liqueur of mineral characteristic intermixed with red and black fruits and a Musigny-like floral, rocky character to the flavors. Tart, tightly knit, with Outstanding weight, the wine is intellectually challenging, but very promising Pinot Noir that looks set for an exceptionally long life.

2010

Swan Terrace Pinot Noir

$109

VM 95 (8/2012): The 2010 Pinot Noir Swan Terrace is impeccable. Dark black cherries, plums, exotic spices and orange peel are some of the many notes that take shape in this deeply expressive, layered Pinot. The Swan Terrace is differentiated from some of the other wines in the lineup for its distinctly dark red/black tonalities. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Antonio Galloni.

BH 91 (1/2013): ( Santa Cruz Mountains, 13.6%). This is a distinctly ripe vintage for this wine with menthol, spice, lavender and violet aromas introducing rich, round and large-scaled flavors that possess a very mild tanginess on the broad, intense and impressively long finish. This is a robust effort that is mildly awkward today as the tang doesn't fit in with the rest of the wine. Given how well this wine has performed over the years however my score offers the benefit of the doubt that it will harmonize in time as the underlying material certainly appears to be present. Drink 2020+.

WS 87 (7/2014): Taut, dry and tannic, with a flavor profile of earthy rhubarb, tobacco leaf, loamy earth and dried herb. Best for fans of cool-climate, reined-in flavors. Best from 2015 through 2023.

USA White

Rhys

2013

Alpine Vyd. Chardonnay

Signs of Old Seepage

$94

WA 96 (10/2015): The star of the whites was the 2013 Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard. Tasting like a Grand Cru Chablis with its incredibly pure lemon curd, flinty minerality, brioche and white flowers, it's medium to full-bodied, laser focused, crisp and crystalline on the palate. It's a stunning Chardonnay that will compete with the creme de la creme of Chardonnays.

VM 93 (7/2015): The 2013 Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard is gorgeous from the very first taste. Chiseled and finely cut, the 2013 boasts considerable energy, tension and focus. Lemon oil, white flowers, mint and white pepper are all given an extra kick of brightness. Antonio Galloni.

2011

Horseshoe Vyd. Chardonnay

$89

VM 94 (6/2013): Bright yellow-gold. Explosive aromas of mineral-accented orange, nectarine and white flowers, with a smoky overtone. Taut and sharply focused, showing superb concentration and tension to flavors of crystallized lemon, white peach and chalky minerals. The mineral-driven finish clings with striking tenacity.

WA 93 (4/2015): Like the 2012 Alpine Vineyard, the 2011 Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard is darker in color than its 2011 counterpart, with slightly more honeyed notes of ripe golden apple, caramelized citrus, honeysuckle and crushed rock all emerging from the glass. Fresh and lively on the palate, with bright acidity, it has solid mid-palate concentration, beautiful tension and vibrancy, and a great finish. I suspect this will age like a top-flight Chablis and have 15 years or more of longevity.

WS 90 (12/2014): A seductive style, rich and creamy without excess weight, offering spice, citrus, honeydew, butterscotch and anise notes, ending with a dash of smoky-toasty oak. Drink now through 2025.