2014 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
Due to the destructive wildfires of the season, the 2020 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard was the only vineyard-designated Pinot Noir Rhys produced. Planted with high-density spacing in the southern section of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Corralitos, this area was spared the devastation that occurred elsewhere in the region. The nose is fragrant and perfumed, with aromas of raspberries, lilacs, cigar box and turned earth. Silky, seamless and medium-bodied, the palate explodes with decadent fruit, high-toned acidity and tight, fine-grained tannins. While the intense power and upright posture of the Rhys Pinot Noirs are on display, this is considerably more approachable than their more dramatic offerings. (ML)
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
The Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard is a very, very good wine for the year. Beautifully perfumed and lifted, the 2020 is especially gracious in 2020. Crushed red berry fruit, chalk, mint and white pepper lend aromatic brilliance. There is a bit of nervous energy that comes through in the incisive tannins, but all the elements are nicely balanced. (AG)
An elegant, reserved and ultra-pure and fresh nose reluctantly offers up wisps of various red berries, anise, rose petal, lilac and a hint of smoke. The round, delicious and attractively textured medium weight flavors possess a seductive energy while exhibiting very good depth and length on the balanced and dusty finish. While it's clear that there is a firm core of supporting tannins this is a bit more forward and one of the few wines in the range that could actually be enjoyed on the younger side.
The 2016 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is beautifully lifted and precise. Bright red berry fruit and floral notes are nicely layered in a Pinot that speaks to understatement and class. In this range, the Family Farm stands out for its crystalline precision and nuance. All the elements are simply in the right place. The 2016 was done with 15% stems, the least Rhys has used for the Family Farm. (AG)