2018 Bearwallow Vineyard Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is progressing nicely past its initial phase, with potpourri, cocoa powder, dried clove and strawberry leaf aromas. The palate is silky and elegant with slightly softened acidity and tannins that, while still very much present, show early signs of integration. Considering the immense structure and slow-moving nature of the Santa Cruz Mountains wines, this is relatively wide open should readers wish to dip a toe into this fantastic vintage from Rhys.
Critic scores
Average Score
Allen Meadows, Burghound
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is a very pretty wine. Bright and effusive, with lovely red berry fruit, the 2020 is delicious right out of the gate. Sweet spice and floral accents give this mid-weight Pinot terrific lift. The 2020 is not super-complex, but it is quite tasted and expressive today. (AG)
Here too the wood treatment is reasonably subtle though by no means imperceptible on the ripe yet fresh mix of various red berries and plenty of floral influences. The pliant and appealingly textured medium weight flavors possess a caressing mid-palate mouthfeel that progressively moves towards a dusty, serious and very firm finish where touches of warmth and austerity slowly emerge. Patience strongly advised.
Always one of the lighter colored wines in the lineup, the 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard comes from an estate vineyard in the Anderson Valley. Classic notes of dried cherries, cranberries, loamy earth, and savory herbs all give way to a bright, medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir that has a solid sense of minerality, present tannins, and a good finish. I never find the same level of class or elegance from this cuvée compared to the Santa Cruz Mountain releases, yet it's a character-filled, satisfying Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming decade.