2018 Rhys - Pinot Noir Mt Pajaro Vineyard

This is an 11-acre (4.4-ha), densely planted site of mass-selection vines at 1,000 feet (305 m) elevation facing north and west. The soils are 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) deep above the Pajaro shale formation. Aromas of cranberry and cherry fruit are shot through with dried flowers. Beautiful raspberry and cranberry fruit has a darker character that is a perfect balance of earth and spice and fruit. In fact, at 13.8% alcohol, it is the ripest Pinot Noir that the estate made in 2018. Gorgeous acidity keeps a freshness to the wine, while faint powdery tannins hover, cloud-like with the finish of dried flowers and fennel seeds. Outstanding. (AY)

Also upfront and already expressive, the 2018 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard comes from a slightly higher elevation site (1,000 feet) in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is a mix of heritage clones and massale selection. Darker currants, raspberries, scorched earth, spice, and earthy, foresty notes dominate the bouquet, and this medium to full-bodied, elegant 2018 has beautiful tannins, a solid sense of minerality, and a great finish. Drink it any time over the coming 10-12+ years.

The 2018 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard is a dark, dense beauty. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, spice, leather and menthol all flesh out in a somber, potent wine built on serious concentration. This decidedly virile Pinot needs time to come around. Today, it is somewhat of a brute, but it is nevertheless a remarkable wine from young vines that were only planted in 2011. It will be interesting to see if the Mt. Pajaro Pinot acquires more finesse as the vines get older, as the other Rhys Pinots have.