Vineyard: Skyline

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Rhys Vineyards: Staking Out Terroir in the Santa Cruz Mountains (7.13 2/25/2009)
California Pinot With Plenty of Noir (8.37 5/13/2011)
Spelunking & Tasting at Rhys Vineyards (9.23 4/13/2013)
Rhys Vineyards: Tasting Recent Vintages is a Revelation (9.13 10/26/2012)
A Dozen California Wineries Offer Holiday Cheer (11.14 12/3/2017)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Rhys Vineyards

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2014 Rhys Vineyards Skyline Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., $99. 2.12 acres planted to Rhys selection and Swan situated at 2280 to 2315 feet elevation with a southwest and southeast facing exposure. 100% whole cluster, aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Many aromas show up over time on the nose including black cherry, exotic spice, burnt tobacco and rose petal. On the palate, the sappy purple fruits show uncommon concentration, but are in tune with the broad, energetic tannins and juicy acidity. The result is a beautifully balanced wine. Very exotic, with many varieties of spice showing up over time. There is textural interest from whole cluster inclusion as well. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Many aromas show up over time on the nose including black cherry, exotic spice, burnt tobacco and rose petal. On the palate, the sappy purple fruits show uncommon concentration, but are in tune with the broad, energetic tannins and juicy acidity. The result is a beautifully balanced wine. Very exotic, with many varieties of spice showing up over time. There is textural interest from whole cluster inclusion as well. Score: 94. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Rhys Vineyards Skyline Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

50 cases from 14,000 vines or 1 bottle per 25 vines! Usually 100% whole cluster, but cautious in this vintage and reduced to 67%. Price was raised in this vintage and some complained, but everyone asked for more. Harvey calls this a “superstar” vineyard. The Syrah from this vineyard is superb, but the Pinot Noir is so amazing that the Syrah is being grafted over to Pinot Noir. · This wine has it all: highly flavored dark berry and plum fruit, tons of spice, plenty of minerality, beautiful balance, supple tannins, and a focused finish. Exceptional. Reviewed April 13, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Rhys Skyline Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

12.2% alc., $69. · Moderately dark reddishpurple color in the glass. The nose is attention-getting with deep aromas of blackberries, sassafras, spice and old oak building in intensity over time in the glass. Blackberry and black plum flavors have interest but the wine is a bit tedious . Nicely crafted with notable but not intrusive tannins and the slightest oak in the background, but not enough Pinot singing on the finish. Slightly more expressive black fruits the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Check back in a few years. Good. Reviewed October 26, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Rhys Vineyards Skyline Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

12.2% alc., $69. 2.12 acres at 2280’ to 2375’ with 20%-35% slope. Mixed suitcase clones closely planted. 2”-4” of top soil over Lorenzo shale and limestone. Yields 1.24 tons per acre. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Plenty of aromatic interest with scents of blackberry preserves, black currants, and kirsch with hints of spice and green garden. Tasty core of dark plum and berry fruits with complimentary oak highlights. Richly fruited, crisp and juicy, with noticeably firm, prominent tannins, and a refreshing lift of acidity on the bright finish. The most restrained tannins of the wines tasted here and the most approachable of the three wines. About the same the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed May 15, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Rhys Vineyards Skyline Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $49. Yield 0.54 tons per acre. 50% new French oak barrels. · A very unique and challenging wine with exotically spiced black cherries and berries on the nose which carry over onto the palate with added brioche, grape and a hint of citrus. Prominent raspberry flavors explode and saturate the palate. An extremely intriguing spice box component is quite unique. A sensual and harmonious wine that still has some ripe tannins to shed. Reviewed February 25, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »