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

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 Chardonnay.

Grade:

A+

Score:

Vintage:

2015

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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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.

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.

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

Vintage:

2014

Score:

Grade:

Current Price:

$80.00USD

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.

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

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