2010 Rhys Horseshoe Vineyard Pinot Noir

[Brad Widelock]

Finally a Rhys wine that met my expectations. The first indication was a great nose of strawberries. The wine was soft, the tannins nicely integrated with the fruit. All of the angles were gone and the resulting curve was pleasing to the palate. Most of the Rhys wine I have tried have had too much stem flavor and not enough fruit. I don’t know if I am missing drinking windows or lack the sophistication to appreciate what I have tried in the past or have expected too much from them. If the rest of my bottles are as much of a pleasure to drink as this one was, I will be very happy.

On another note, is anyone cellaring Sandlands? If so, how is it going?

Brad

 

[Florida Jim]

I know a fair number of people who like, buy and cellar Sandlands with good results.
I do not.
Good wines, for sure, but my tastes have shifted again to Oregon and Europe, so no help here.

 

[Jim Hanlon]

originally posted by Brad Widelock:
2010 Rhys Horseshoe Vineyard Pinot NoirFinally a Rhys wine that met my expectations. The first indication was a great nose of strawberries. The wine was soft, the tannins nicely integrated with the fruit. All of the angles were gone and the resulting curve was pleasing to the palate. Most of the Rhys wine I have tried have had too much stem flavor and not enough fruit. I don’t know if I am missing drinking windows or lack the sophistication to appreciate what I have tried in the past or have expected too much from them. If the rest of my bottles are as much of a pleasure to drink as this one was, I will be very happy.

On another note, is anyone cellaring Sandlands? If so, how is it going?

Brad

With Sandlands, I think it depends on the wine. I favor at least moderate cellaring of the Syrahs and Mourvedres. Some of their red blends will probably benefit too. I don't think the Trousseau or Cinsault will benefit. I don't buy the Chenin.

I've got a good stash. If you want to drink some in Oakland, let me know.

 

[Brad Widelock]

Thanks for the offer, Jim. Once school is out (mid-June) my calendar is wide open!

 

[Jim Hanlon]

originally posted by Brad Widelock:
Thanks for the offer, Jim. Once school is out (mid-June) my calendar is wide open!

Cool, let’s make it happen in July.

 

[Marty L.]

originally posted by Jim Hanlon:

. . . On another note, is anyone cellaring Sandlands? If so, how is it going?

Brad

With Sandlands, I think it depends on the wine. I favor at least moderate cellaring of the Syrahs and Mourvedres. Some of their red blends will probably benefit too. I don't think the Trousseau or Cinsault will benefit. I don't buy the Chenin.

I've got a good stash. If you want to drink some in Oakland, let me know.

I've had success cellaring the Sandlands Trousseau for a few years. The 2014 seemed to gain depth and complexity over time, and my last bottle of it (which I had early last year) was terrific--much more aromatically interesting than it was on release.