Our 11th Year !

$80.75

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.

2010

$89

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!

2013

$85

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.

2013

Signs of Old Seepage

$85

2016

Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

$99

VM 95 (8/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is seamless in the way it floats on the palate. Bright and intensely perfumed, the Alpine is marked by its deeply-pitched aromatics and overall finesse, all of which give it a feeling of total sophistication. Today, I find the Alpine even more compelling than it was from barrel. Time in the glass brings out the wine's silkiness and overall allure. Alpine was the lowest yielding site for Rhys in 2016. Antonio Galloni.

2015

$35

JD 93 (8/2017): Leading off the wines from Mendocino, the straight 2015 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley is terrific. Black raspberries, singed herbs, earth and sappy flower notes all emerge from this supple, textured 2015 that’s already a joy to drink. It’s certainly one of the more approachable in the lineup, yet like all the wines from this estate, it’s going to keep nicely for a decade due to its balance and classic style. This was a terrific lineup of 2015s from the team at Rhys. Across the board, these are tight and structured, with terrific concentration. Give them a few years of bottle age. Unfortunately, due to the devastating yields, there’s no Skyline Vineyard or Hillside releases in 2015s. In addition, they have a new estate vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains (bringing their total to seven estate vineyards) that will be coming on line over the next couple of years. Named Mount Pajaro Vineyard, the site was planted in 2010 and covers 18 acres in the southern part of the Santa Cruz Mountains, planted all with high density, 3.5 feet row spacing. Harvey commented that they’ve learned a lot over the past decade planting their other estate properties and they’re excited about the quality of this site. (Drink between 2017-2027).

VM 92 (8/2017): The 2015 Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley), the second selection from Rhys's Bearwallow vineyard, is gorgeous. Sweet red cherry, hard candy, wild flowers, mint and rose petal notes are pushed forward in a pliant, supple Pinot that will drink well right out of the gate. There is so much to like here, including the wine's engaging, up-front personality. This stellar appellation-level wine overdelivers big time. Don't miss it. (Drink between 2017-2023). Antonio Galloni.

2011

Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L)

$55

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.

2011

$85

2013

$65

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!

2014

$65

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.

2015

$65

BH 90 (6/2018): Notably ripe yet attractively fresh black cherry and raspberry aromas are interwoven with notes of menthol and a wide range of spice elements. The exceptionally rich, round and very suave medium weight plus flavors possess an opulent mouth feel, all wrapped in a dusty and long if noticeably warm finale. I very much like the excellent complexity though the balance isn't as good as the best in the range.

2019

$69

VM 96+ (5/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is a powerful, searing wine. I am not sure I have tasted a Bearwallow with this much sheer intensity. Black cherry, mocha, gravel, cloves and licorice imbue this somber, backward Pinot with quite a bit of complexity. Readers should be in no rush here. The 2019 is an exceptional Bearwallow. (Drink between 2027-2039). Antonio Galloni.

JD 93 (7/2021): Coming from a site in the Anderson Valley region of Mendocino, the 2019 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard has a classic savoriness in its dried cherry and strawberry fruits as well as loamy soil, spice, and dried herb-like aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, wonderfully balanced, and elegant on the palate, it has plenty of up-front appeal, yet I have no doubt it will still be going strong in a decade as well. (Drink between 2021-2032).

BH 92 (10/2021): A more elegant and cooler combination is comprised by notes of red currant, plum and plenty of floral elements. I very much like the texture of the sappy and energetic medium weight flavors that possess a supple mid-palate that contrasts with the dusty, serious and moderately austere finale. This robust and powerful effort is definitely built-to-age and a wine that should amply repay a decade plus of cellaring. (Drink starting 2029).

2004

$55

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.

2009

$55

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!

2010

Lightly Bin-Soiled Label

$55

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+.

2011

$55

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+.

2012

Horseshoe Hillside 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!

2012

Home Vyd. Pinot Noir

$65

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!

2013

Home Vyd. Pinot Noir

$65

WA 95 (10/2015): Following the Family Farm release, the 2013 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard has more minerality to go with pretty red fruits, spice and mountain wild flower-like nuances. It has plenty of fruit, yet has a core of tight tannin and acidity that only shows on the finish. Textured, balanced, layered and nuanced, it's a classic Rhys Pinot Noir that has everything you could want. Drink it over the coming decade.

VM 94+ (7/2015): Huge swaths of tannin provide the backbone of the 2013 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard. Many of the Rhys 2013 Pinots are quite appealing today. This is not one of them. Readers will have to be exceedingly patient, as the 2013 is likely to age at a glacial pace by California standards. The flavors are dark, bold and intense, throughout, with a kick of intensity from the rocky soils. The tannins need time to soften a bit, but there is no question the 2013 Home is a knock out. Antonio Galloni.

BH 91 (4/2016): Subtle if distinctly different notes of cigar tobacco and cedar add breadth to the pretty red cherry, pomegranate and plum aromas that are liberally laced with floral and tea nuances. There is a pronounced sense of vibrancy to the refreshing and inviting medium weight flavors that also possess really lovely delineation and a subtle minerality while delivering fine depth and length on the dusty, mouth coating and ever-so-mildly austere finish. This isn't quite as powerful as the Family Farm but this is no shrinking violet in its own right, indeed it is almost rustic. Drink 2021+. Outstanding!

2019

Home Vyd. Pinot Noir

$69

JD 94+ (7/2021): Ample black cherries, sappy herbs, iron, iodine, and gamey, floral notes emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, building tannins, a sappy, grippy mouthfeel, and outstanding length. It's mostly potential at this point, but I love its overall balance and length. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. (Drink between 2023-2035).

VM 94 (5/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard is one of the more savory wines in the range. Holiday spice cake, sweet dried cherry, tobacco leaf, cedar and earthy tones are all finely knit together. A Pinot of subtlety and nuance, the Home Vineyard, will appeal most to readers who enjoy understated wines. The 100% whole clusters add quite a bit of savoriness, but not in an exaggerated way. (Drink between 2024-2034). Antonio Galloni.

WA 93 (4/2024): The 2019 Pinot Noir Home Vineyard is lifted and aromatically expressive from the outset, with fresh aromas of cherry blossom, wild strawberry and underbrush. Seamless and svelte on the palate, this finishes on a lively, spry note with mouthwatering acidity and subtle, pleasing tannins. This is ready to enjoy now, but I look forward to following it over the next decade.

BH 91 (10/2021): This is one of the spiciest wines in the range with its array of anise, cinnamon, sandalwood and clove nuances that add breadth to the ultra-fresh essence of red currant, plum and violet. Once again there is a plush and generous mouthfeel to the super-suave medium weight flavors that possess a highly seductive mouthfeel, all wrapped in a dusty, firm and mildly austere finale. While this is one of the few wines that could be enjoyed young, it should also be more than capable of rewarding 6 to 10 years of cellaring. (Drink starting 2026).

2013

$179

VM 97 (7/2015): Just as brilliant from bottle as it was from barrel, the 2013 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard Hillside hits all the right notes. Exotic, perfumed and structured, the 2013 exudes pedigree. Violets, lavender, dark spices and black cherries flesh out in a dark, sensual Pinot loaded with class. The flavors are vivid, nuanced and layered throughout. The 2013 boasts striking inner perfume, endless layers of fruit and an intense, palate-staining finish. Simply stated, the 2013 is a remarkable, deeply expressive, must-have wine from Rhys. Antonio Galloni.

WA 96 (10/2015): The deepest, richest and most concentrated release in the lineup, the 2013 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Hillside Vineyard is a cellar selection from the Horseshoe Vineyard that saw 25% whole cluster (they rarely use much whole cluster from this site), and 17 months in 50% new French oak. It's an intense, layered and vibrant effort that has tons of red and exotic blue fruits, violets, underbrush and subtle minerality. At this point, its fruit and texture are front and center, yet it has terrific mid-palate depth, a vibrant, taut texture and building tannin, all of which point to it evolving gracefully. Give it a year or two in the cellar and drink this beauty over the following decade or so.

BH 95 (4/2016): A much more deeply pitched nose features notes of black cherry, cassis, earth and plum scents that are trimmed in plenty of spice elements that include anise, clove and sandalwood along with a hint of hoisin. The big, rich and bold broad-shouldered flavors possess Outstanding volume, size and weight all while remaining focused and harmonious on the robust, intense and very firmly structured finish. There is a remarkable amount of dry extract buffering the prominent tannic spine and it coats the palate and imparts a sappy character to the borderline chewy finale. It's rare that I suggest an initial drinking window of more than 10 years for the vast majority of US pinots but in this case it is warranted. If you're going to buy this do so with the intention of cellaring it for at least the medium-term. In short, this is a very serious 'wow' wine that is an absolute knock-out! Drink 2025+. Outstanding!

2008

$89

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.

2010

$69

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.

2012

$85

WA 94+ (4/2015): A ripe, layered effort that took plenty of air time to come together (I followed all of these wines over two days), the 2012 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard offers gorgeous cherry and raspberry-like notes to go with ample spice-box, dried flowers and smoky characteristics on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant, it has solid mid-palate density, bright acidity and a big finish. This seemed slightly soft right on opening, but when I came back to the bottle a few hours later, it has come together brilliantly. This beauty should be at it's best from 2017-2027+.

VM 94 (7/2014): Racy and explosive to the core, the 2012 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard hits the palate with a compelling melange of dark red and black stone fruits, cloves, new leather and menthol. Here the style is all about voluptuousness and texture, two qualities the 2012 has in spades. The Horseshoe was fermented with 20% whole clusters, but they are barely evident given the wine's pure intensity and volume. This full-bodied, exceptionally balanced Pinot from Rhys is striking from start to finish. Antonio Galloni.

BH 91 (1/2015): Once again there is an all but invisible touch of wood setting off the cool, elegant and complex nose that is composed of dark cherry, raspberry, floral, tea and spice nuances. There is a lovely sense of energy to the well-delineated and beautifully refined flavors that possess a dusty mouth feel before terminating in a balanced and delicious finish that is subtly persistent. Here too there is a subtle hint of warmth but it is sufficiently slight that is does not affect the overall sense of harmony. Drink 2020+. Outstanding!

2015