Rhys Mt Pajaro Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017

Rhys Mt. Pajaro Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 is a vivid and powerful expression of California Pinot Noir, sourced from a small parcel in the southern part of Mt. Pajaro Vineyard. It marks an exciting first release from this site, and the warmer exposure gives the wine a touch more generosity and immediate charm while still retaining the precision Rhys is known for.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, it shows a deep, alluring color for Pinot Noir, hinting at the wine’s concentration and structure. The nose opens with raspberry, wild blackberry, dried orange peel, cinnamon, pipe tobacco, and a layered mix of dried spices, giving it both brightness and earthy depth. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and expressive, with dark fruit taking center stage. There is impressive depth and length, and the finish lingers with notes of dark cherry, menthol, and liquorice. Built with plenty of energy and concentration, this is a Pinot Noir that can be enjoyed now but should continue to gain complexity over the coming years.

Production
This wine comes from a small parcel at Mt. Pajaro Vineyard, located in the southern part of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where the site is warmer than Rhys Vineyards’ other estate vineyards in the northern section. The vineyard’s exposure brings a slightly richer style to the wine, while still preserving freshness and structure. Winemaker Jeff Brinkman includes 13% whole clusters in fermentation, then ages the wine for 18 months in French oak barrels, 23% of which are new.

Food & Serving
A great match for roast duck, grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, or herb-roasted chicken. Serve slightly cool, around 15–16°C, and consider a short decant if opening young to allow the aromatics and texture to fully open up.

Producer
Rhys Vineyards is a highly regarded California producer known for crafting site-driven wines from cool-climate vineyard estates in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The estate has built a strong reputation for precision, elegance, and mineral-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and has become one of the most respected names in the region. With Jeff Brinkman at the helm of winemaking, Rhys continues to earn acclaim for wines that combine finesse, structure, and a clear sense of place.

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