This is a "second" wine from Mount Eden, one of California's premier wine producers. Golden in color, clear and bright. The nose has apples, apple juice, and a slight lemony note. Medium to full bodied. Slightly oily texture. On the palate, there is a sweet tart note with a slight oxidized lemony note. Moderate acidity. This is very mature, not likely to be a pristine bottle, this showed much older than six years.
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.
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.
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.
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.
