2014 Rhys Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

This, while still young, has entered an adolescence that is very enjoyable. Light gold/green in color. The nose has the typical Rhys Lemon Cream and vanilla. On the palate, this is starting to delineate layers and show nice complexity. The lemon cream and vanilla carry thru along with underlying minerality. Good acidity. Nice finish. This took a few hours on opening to really open up so it is probably worth decanting at this point. It should easily go another decade probably until 2034. Great on it own. It will work with richer dishes with fish, veggies and some fowl.

Grade:

Score:

Vintage:

2014

Current Price:

$80.00USD

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

Vintage:

2015

Score:

Grade:

A+

Another stunning Chardonnay from Rhys. Light golden in color with some green hues. The nose has a vanilla scented lemon chiffon that is distinctive for Rhys. Gorgeous. There is also an underlying mineral component. It is understandable why so many compare this to Meursault. On the palate, this is still young but almost seamless. The vanilla/lemon chiffon carries thru as does the minerality. Great balance. This would work with a wide variety of foods. Its tht texture though that keeps being so striking. Long finish. There is some upside on this depending on how you like Chardonna

2014 Rhys Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

Vintage:

2014

Score:

Grade:

A+

Current Price:

$90.00USD

Holy smokes. I love this wine, but this was the best showing for it yet. Light golden/green in color. Lemon cream, vanilla and slight smoke on the nose. On the palate, this has a slightly oily texture which is great. Crisp acidity. The lemon and vanilla come thru over a slight charred wood quality. Deep and complex, this is the most developed bottle I have had although certainly not old. Layers of fruit, wood and char. Long finish. Went great with roasted Shihitto peppers. If this is a glimpse where this is heading then patience will be rewarded but no harm in opening now.

2011 Rhys Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

Vintage:

2011

Score:

Grade:

A+

Golden in color. The nose is classic Rhys and gorgeous. Lemon cream and vanilla with an underlying rocky minerality. On the palate, this is almost seamless in a creamy texture. Lemon and vanilla notes. Bright fruit. It is not as big as some vintages but this is not reticent either. Delicious. Still youthful. It opens in the glass and improves in the bottle. So good right now it might not be worth risking holding, but it should still get better. One of the best California Chardonnays I have had.

2019 Rhys Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

Vintage:

2019

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$125.00USD

Always one of the best chardonnay's made anywhere! This vintage is no exception. Light golden in color with slight green hues. The nose is classic Rhys: Vanilla, lemon cream, and slight bakers spices. Full bodied. This was drinking well from the beginning. The palate has lemon cream and vanilla with a touch of spice/oak. Good acidity. Long finish. Delicious. This drinks great on its own and perfect with a Caprese salad. In my experience, these drink well for a few years and then shut down a bit before re-emerging at age eight or so. They drink well for another ten after that.

2014 Rhys Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz, Wine Review

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