Today we share an outstanding California producer of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Rhys Vineyards produces from some extreme vineyard sites that has slopes which range up to a 40% grade. This is extreme farming.
Rhys Vineyards founder, Kevin Harvey, had a successful software career prior to stating his winery. He began planting Pinot Noir in his backyard near the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA and has had his first vintage in 2004. The new release wines by Rhys from the slightly cooler 2023 vintage. They are not quite the level of their single vineyards but are completely outstanding, with a beginning, middle and an end.
I love the new 2023 ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has great salty character and excellent viscosity. Learn more about this incredible new lineup of wines at https://rhysvineyards.com Here are the exciting new wines by Rhys Vineyards
2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Chardonnay- Salty and delicious, the 2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ shows excellent flavor density and viscosity. Lifted orange blossom water combines with pear and mango flavors alongside salty minerals on the palate. A joy to drink now, enjoy over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93
2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Anderson Valley’ Chardonnay- The delicious 2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Anderson Valley’ Chardonnay offers damp earth and buttered French bread flavors on the palate, alongside rich melon and citrus fruits. Medium to full-bodied with excellent length, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2026-2034- 93
2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Santa Cruz Mountains’ Pinot Noir takes on red currants and red rose petal aromatics that parade with volcanic rock and shades of red licorice. The palate is fresh and lithe with a polished texture. Drink 2026-2034- 92
2023 Rhys Vineyards ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir - Another outstanding bottling from Rhys, their 2023 ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir shows off forest floor and hints of wild mushroom on the nose with red and dark florals alongside ripe fig. The palate is medium-bodied and fresh with great earthy character. Drink 2026-2034- 92