I always love an opportunity to catch up with (and taste) what these guys are doing. 2011 was by Kevin's account a very cold and difficult year for Rhys. While the cooler, lighter character certainly shows, the two estate wines poured were very successful. Perhaps not for the ages, but it's probably too early to tell.
2011 Alesia Chardonnay Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino County
Some unripe pineapple notes lend brightness, but the sweet oak and cotton candy notes out in front on the palate were a bit much for me. I found it slightly flat as well, with middling acidity. I'd be interested to retaste this on another occasion but would pass based on this showing.
2011 Alesia Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Lovely nose of cool tart ripe cherry and christmas wintergreen whole cluster notes. This seemed very open and generous on this day, with nice balanced acidity but structure otherwise lurking beneath the friendly surface. While this has less going on than the estate wines, it's delightful and clearly cut from the Rhys cloth. I'd buy this if reasonably priced.
2011 Rhys Pinot Noir Home Vineyard San Francisco Bay
Pungent, herbal whole cluster nose with black pepper and clove notes, but also much more mineral and intensity than the Alesia Sonoma Coast. Very cool-toned palate with some red fruits and a savory brothiness lingering beneath. Fine delicate but sneaky structure. While clearly from a cooler vintage this was a stunning wine and my favorite of the day. I'd buy as much as I was offered.
2011 Rhys Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard Anderson Valley
Nose of red cranberry fruits with some wintergreen whole cluster notes. Nice juicy acidity, more fruit-driven palate but maintains a lighter, cooler personality. Notably less mineral intensity and structure than the Home Vyd, and less concentration, but quite enjoyable. For my taste Bearwallow has shown marked improvement over the past few vintages, but I'm not sure yet whether this 2011 continues the trend. I'd be curious to try this again in about a half year to see what's happening.
2012 Rhys Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains (barrel sample)
Exotic horehound, Japanese plum, sage nose. Good acidity and pure red and blue-ish fruit, really pretty. More fruit and more obvious structure than any of the 2011s today, with an attractive, gentle cat's tongue tannin texture. Very moreish today, and an encouraging glimpse at this vintage.
2011 Alesia Chardonnay Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino County
Some unripe pineapple notes lend brightness, but the sweet oak and cotton candy notes out in front on the palate were a bit much for me. I found it slightly flat as well, with middling acidity. I'd be interested to retaste this on another occasion but would pass based on this showing.
2011 Alesia Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Lovely nose of cool tart ripe cherry and christmas wintergreen whole cluster notes. This seemed very open and generous on this day, with nice balanced acidity but structure otherwise lurking beneath the friendly surface. While this has less going on than the estate wines, it's delightful and clearly cut from the Rhys cloth. I'd buy this if reasonably priced.
2011 Rhys Pinot Noir Home Vineyard San Francisco Bay
Pungent, herbal whole cluster nose with black pepper and clove notes, but also much more mineral and intensity than the Alesia Sonoma Coast. Very cool-toned palate with some red fruits and a savory brothiness lingering beneath. Fine delicate but sneaky structure. While clearly from a cooler vintage this was a stunning wine and my favorite of the day. I'd buy as much as I was offered.
2011 Rhys Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard Anderson Valley
Nose of red cranberry fruits with some wintergreen whole cluster notes. Nice juicy acidity, more fruit-driven palate but maintains a lighter, cooler personality. Notably less mineral intensity and structure than the Home Vyd, and less concentration, but quite enjoyable. For my taste Bearwallow has shown marked improvement over the past few vintages, but I'm not sure yet whether this 2011 continues the trend. I'd be curious to try this again in about a half year to see what's happening.
2012 Rhys Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains (barrel sample)
Exotic horehound, Japanese plum, sage nose. Good acidity and pure red and blue-ish fruit, really pretty. More fruit and more obvious structure than any of the 2011s today, with an attractive, gentle cat's tongue tannin texture. Very moreish today, and an encouraging glimpse at this vintage.
