2021 Rhys Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard

Among the impressive array of Rhys estate vineyards, Horseshoe is a centerpiece. The 2021 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard is reticent to unveil its gorgeous, ever-expanding aromas, beginning with pomegranates, cherry blossoms, violets, tarragon and a signature note of cured meat. The palate is equal parts supple, sturdy and giving, exploding into a massive finish of concentrated red fruits, crushed stones, dried flowers and fine but tenacious tannins. This is perennially one of the most impressive Pinot Noirs in California, and it demands five years of cellaring and should improve for two decades beyond that.

The 2021 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard is redolent of macerated cherry, spice, tobacco, cedar, dried leaves, orange peel and a kiss of French oak. High-toned and sensual, the 2021 is quite open today, especially in its bouquet, but it also has the energy and overall structure to age.

The 2021 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard is promising, even if it's rather reticent in the early going. Its open-knit, floral bouquet is quite alluring, but on the palate, the 2021 feels like it is still coming together. Bright red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal, mint, pomegranate and blood orange emerge with time in the glass. Elegant and refined, the 2021 offers terrific potential. It is a wine of notable textural depth and resonance. Bright floral and citrus notes extend the grippy finish, where the Syrah character is most evident. I am looking forward to tasting this with a bit of bottle age. - Antonio Galloni