2011 Rhys Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard comes across as a bit heavy, even in this cool vintage. Black cherries, plums, incense, orange peel, smoke and melted road tar explode from the glass in a Pinot that is all about structure. The firm, grippy tannins suggest the 2011 will enjoy a long life by California standards. There is a lot to like here, and there will be even more, if the wine finds a more finessed voice with further time in bottle. The 2011 was with 18% whole clusters.
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Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(75% new oak and 20% whole clusters): Dark red. Sweet dark berry and cherry-cola scents are complicated by musky herbs, dried flowers and minerals, with a suave undercurrent of Indian spices. Powerful black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are firmed by tangy acidity, which adds lift and back-end cut. This wine has the focus, balance and concentration to repay at least five to seven years of cellaring.