Vinous 94
Bright red. Exotic, vibrant aromas of raspberry, Asian spices, fresh herbs and potpourri, all lifted by a mineral nuance. Sharply delineated, classically detailed pinot that offers a weightless impression of sweetness, spiciness and florality. Firm acids add definition and lift the wine’s flavors. Extremely complex pinot with impeccable balance. Finishes with silky tannins, pungent minerality and lovely lingering perfume. This clocks in at 12.3% alcohol and was fermented completely with whole clusters. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2010]
Robert Parker 93
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. 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 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 02/27/2010]
Anticipated maturity: 2012-2027
