2008 Rhys Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard
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Like all of the Rhys '08s, the aromatic complexity of the Alpine is more than just admirable, it's distinctive as it offers a lacy and pure mélange of cherry and blue berry fruit aromas cut with floral and mild wood notes that precede the backward and moderately austere flavors that are underpinned by firm but not aggressive tannins and excellent length on the balanced finish. While the Alpine is also built to age, it appears that it may come around a bit sooner. *Outstanding*
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Punteggio medio
Robert Parker
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Altre recensioni e punteggi
Bright ruby. Pure, highly expressive aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, minerals, rose petal and spicecake. Wonderfully suave on entry, then vibrant and sappy in the middle palate, offering pungent raspberry, cherry and candied floral flavors of outstanding density and freshness. Gains power on the back half, finishing with outstanding lift, perfume and a gripping note of bitter cherry skin. Really intriguing wine and one of the highlights of my recent trip to California. Winemaker Jeff Brinkman told me that these grapes were incredibly tiny. (ST)
The deep ruby-colored 2008 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard (a 10-acre parcel planted at 1,400 feet) possesses a big, sweet, powerful nose of raspberries, spring flowers, damp earth, and mossy, foresty vegetation. Sweet currants, pomegranates, and black raspberries also emerge on the palate of this full-bodied effort. With excellent acidity and delineation as well as a weighty, long, rich mouthfeel with lots of structure and tannin, this enormously promising wine suggests a long life if stored in a cold cellar. It will benefit from 2-3 years of age. This ambitious operation aims to produce world-class wines from tightly-spaced, high elevation, cool climate vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The wines for Rhys’ second label, Alesia, are fashioned from purchased fruit. The commitment to minimal organic and, if possible, biodynamic farming, naturally low yields, and hands-off winemaking are further evidence of the passion this estate possesses. They currently have five vineyards under vine, Alpine, Family Farm, Home Vineyard, Horseshoe Ranch, and Skyline, all of which are situated at high elevations in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winemaking philosophy appears to be a work in progress, and since there are no older vintages, there is no track record for aging. The wines seem to possess considerable structure, and in their youth, they may only hint at their future potential. Many of these offerings are made in limited quantities of less than 50 cases, with their largest releases being the Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard (about 600 cases), Pinot Noir Horseshoe Ranch (around 450 cases), Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard (550 cases), and the Syrah Horseshoe Ranch (500 cases). I have intentionally kept my tasting notes on the limited production cuvees brief. Tel. (866) 511-1520