2012 Rhys Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

Rhys is one of my favorite wines and this particular bottle was opened at a dinner alongside an Aubert and a Marcassin from the same vintage. It was interesting for a few reasons. It really demonstrated the "Burgundyness" of the Rhys wines. It also showed that Rhys can hold its own against the best Chardonnays California produces. It has a silvery green/gold color. The nose has nice lemon cream and vanilla with underlying minerality. Great mouthfeel and texture. On the palate, the lemon cream with a touch of vanilla comes thru. With air some green apple notes emerge. Great balance. Long finish. Went great with a Beet Tartare.

Grade:

A+

Score:

Vintage:

2012

Current Price:

$110.00USD

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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2017 Rhys Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

Vintage:

2017

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$100.00USD

Another example of why Rhys is one of my favorite Chardonnay's from anywhere. Light golden in color with slight green hues. Clear and bright. The nose is gorgeous with lemon curd, minerality, and vanilla. Full bodied. Solid acidity. On the palate those flavors carry thru. Lemon curd and vanilla with great minerality. Just delicious. The bottle is drained quickly. Long finish. These drink so beautifully young, they do shut down a bit after a few years and then re-open at around age 7 to 10 for another decade. Great on their own, these work great with crisp or lighter foods.

2016 Rhys Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

Vintage:

2016

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$124.97USD

Wow. Rhys hits another home run with this Chardonnay. Light golden in color. The nose is great with lemon cream and vanilla. The palate matches. Smooth and almost seamless. Depth and complexity. So good right now that it would be a shame not to drink one this young. Based on past history, this is likely to shut down for a bit and not emerge for 7 or so years. So, if you don't like older Chards or can't wait, then just enjoy now! Will work with medium or lighter weight foods.

2012 Rhys Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

Vintage:

2012

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$120.00USD

Nice to revisit this with some age on it. Yellow-gold in color with slight green hues, clear and bright. The nose is the same; vanilla, lemon crème, and minerals. Medium to full bodied. Good acidity. On the palate, lemons, lemon curd and slight vanilla. Long finish. This tastes mature but very similar to how it tasted on release. More depth, less energy. Not sure where it goes from here but another five years and probably ten. Great on its own, this will work well with salmon or tuna steaks.

2015 Rhys Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

Vintage:

2015

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$133.00USD

Another spectacular Chardonnay from Rhys. This is probably my favorite bottling. Opened to celebrate a friend's 40th and finished the rest on the following night. It was great both nights but a bit better on night 2. Light golden in color. The nose is sensational. Yes, there is some oak showing but the nose is so pretty and enticing with lemon cream and vanilla. On the palate, this has a slightly soft texture, with great lemon fruit. Some vanilla as well. Great acidity. Plenty of depth. Long finish. This is not a fruit bomb but it does have a big personality. It will go with al

2012 Rhys Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

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