Rhys Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Rhys Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 is a striking, terroir-driven Pinot Noir from one of California’s most compelling high-elevation sites. Grown on a dramatically steep, limestone-rich vineyard cooled by Pacific fog and ocean breezes, it combines Burgundian finesse with California intensity in a way that feels both precise and distinctive.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Pinot shows a polished, elegant profile with a sense of depth rather than weight. The nose is highly expressive, with dark cherry, raspberry, strawberry, cocoa, cola, florals, and subtle accents of cinnamon and cedar, while Vinous also notes black cherry, plum, licorice, menthol, and gravel. The palate is remarkably pure and lifted, with dark fruit taking center stage before unfolding into a long, complex finish. A touch of whole-cluster savoriness adds dimension and balance, while the fine but firm tannins suggest excellent aging potential. This is a wine built for the cellar and should develop beautifully over many years.

Production
Alpine Vineyard sits on a steep, stony hillside in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where some sections reach gradients of up to 40%. The vineyard’s limestone-rich soils and cool maritime influence from the Pacific create slow ripening conditions that preserve freshness and aromatic detail. Harvesting is carried out with great care on this demanding site, and winemaker Jeff Brinkman uses 25% whole clusters, with the rest of the fruit destemmed. The wine is then aged for 18 months in a combination of new and used oak barrels to add texture and complexity without overpowering the site’s character.

Food & Serving
This Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with dishes that complement its elegance and depth, such as roast duck, quail, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or pork tenderloin with herbs. Serve it slightly cool, ideally around 14–16°C, and consider decanting briefly if drinking young, especially to help the tannins open up and the aromatics fully unfold.

Producer
Rhys Vineyards was founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Kevin Harvey, who began acquiring vineyard land in the Santa Cruz Mountains in 2000 with a clear focus on world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. After bringing in winemaker Jeff Brinkman in 2006, Harvey expanded the project into a state-of-the-art winery and committed the vineyards to organic and biodynamic farming. Today, Rhys is widely regarded as one of California’s benchmark producers for site-specific, high-quality wines, earning consistent praise from critics for its precision, energy, and terroir expression.

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