2015 Rhys Vineyards Horseshoe Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

12.7% alc. $79. 17.5 acres planted in 2004 at 1360 to 1610 feet elevation. Top soils of 6”-20” over sedimentary rock and volcanic ash. Rhys selection and two heritage clones. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of oak come to the fore in the form of smoke and burnt tobacco. Mid weight flavors of dark cherry, boysenberry, tobacco and toast framed by gutsy tannins. The fruit shows good intensity but is currently swallowed up by the oak imprint and tannins. About the same when re-tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Unbalanced now, but further bottle aging may help. Score: 89. Reviewed April 14, 2018

Winery: Rhys Vineyards
From article: Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay