2009 Rhys Horseshoe Vineyard Chardonnay

Jay Miller

Jay Miller
Finally got around to opening one on Sunday. I'm on record as saying that the Alpine Chardonnays were perhaps the best wines made by Rhys. Now I'll say this Horseshoe Chardonnay is perhaps my favorite chardonnay they've made.

A combination of minerality and lushness. Great acidity without leanness. Balanced with great palate presence.

I wasn't a huge fan of many of the Rhys 2009 pinots but this was sensational and I look forward to future vintages.
 
I actually thought it was one of the better domestic Chards I've had in awhile. Showed nice minerality and acidity, though still had a bit more oak than I'd prefer. Still working on the notes from last Sunday.
 
originally posted by Jay Miller:
2009 Rhys Horseshoe Vineyard ChardonnayFinally got around to opening one on Sunday. I'm on record as saying that the Alpine Chardonnays were perhaps the best wines made by Rhys. Now I'll say this Horseshoe Chardonnay is perhaps my favorite chardonnay they've made.

A combination of minerality and lushness. Great acidity without leanness. Balanced with great palate presence.

I wasn't a huge fan of many of the Rhys 2009 pinots but this was sensational and I look forward to future vintages.

Agreed. It's killer. I loved it.
 
Great to hear that you guys enjoyed it. I have always hoped that Rhys would be "by wine geeks, for wine geeks". On the oak, we have been using about 25% new though we did switch cooperage for a few years starting in about 2008. Recently, we have decided to switch back to a cooper that we think makes a better (ie more invisible) barrel for our whites.
2009 was probably the ripest year we have had (especially in white) and we are seeing every bit as much vintage variation as France these days. I think the 2010 is a step up from 2009 but still in richer character. For fans of sleeker whites, I recommend keeping an eye out for the 2011s and 2012s.
 
originally posted by Kevin Harvey:
Great to hear that you guys enjoyed it. I have always hoped that Rhys would be "by wine geeks, for wine geeks".

Kevin, what are you saying?

Seriously nice to see you around here.
 
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