2018 Rhys Chardonnay Mt. Pajaro Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains, Wine Review

This is a newer wine from Rhys. It has some similarities to the Rhys style, but it should take a few vintages for Kevin Harvey to zero in on what he is looking for. Green/gold in color, clear and bright. The nose has lemons and vanilla along with spices. Full bodied. On the palate, this is young, but drinking well. Lemons and vanilla comes thru. At this stage, it will be a difficult food match but as it ages it should go nice with salmon or other "steak" fish. Drink over the next ten years.

Grade:

A-

Score:

Vintage:

2018

Current Price:

$95.00USD

2016 Rhys Alesia Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$45.00USD

From a 375ml bottle. Rhys makes some of the best Chards in California, but this is from purchased fruit and so carries the Alesia name. It does seem like the oak treatment is different as well. This is a sold Chardonnay but not nearly in the class of the Rhys Chards. Light gold/green in color. The nose is nice with minerals, spice, slight lemons and slight lumber. On the palate, the minerals and lumber carry thru. Some lemon. Lean in body with good acidity. This will work with a lots of foods.

Top Ten California Chardonnays - 2016

I tend to taste and drink a lot of wine over the course of a year. I am in a few tasting groups, sometimes the wines are consumed at various local wine store tastings and a number drunk with friends and family.

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2016 Rhys Alesia Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains, USA, California, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

A-

Current Price:

$40.00USD

The Alesia wines from Rhys are made with purchased fruit. It is similar to the Rhys Chards but for my tastes, not quite at that level. Light gold/green in color. The nose is nice with lemons, vanilla cream and spice. On the palate, this is medium bodied. Nice acidic cut. The lemon and vanilla carry thru. Good clean finish. This drinks well on its own but will work well with sea food or lighter dishes. Drink over the next ten years.

2021 Rhys Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains, USA, California, Wine Review

Vintage:

2021

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$46.00USD

Rhys may be my favorite Chardonnay producer (that I still choose to afford) and Santa Cruz may be my favorite region for Chardonnay. But, still, this is their basic offering and I had low expectations. They were far exceeded. What an excellent wine. I ended up drinking two bottles over three days and that is unusual. Light golden in color with slight silvery/green hues. Clear and bright. The nose is great. Very mineral driven but also some lemon creme, vanilla and a touch of grapefruits. Medium to full bodied. Lots of energy. Light tannins. Great acidity and balance. On the pal

2017 Mount Eden Vineyards Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

Vintage:

2017

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$60.00USD

Another classic Chardonnay from this producer. Santa Cruz is south of San Francisco. Light golden in color, clear and bright. The nose is great with lemons, slight vanilla and spice. Crisp texture. Great acidity. This is just starting to open and has a long life left. Lemons and green apples with some underlying spice. Long finish. Drink over the next ten years.

2018 Rhys Chardonnay Mt. Pajaro Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains, Wine Review

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