2018 Rhys Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard San Mateo County
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Tasting notes
Within the impressively structured Rhys lineup, the 2018 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is relatively accessible in its youth. It is dark, meaty and savory on the nose, with aromas of black fruit, mortadella, plums and cardamom. The palate is rich and forward, with a velvety texture and deft concentration, leading to a fresh and floral finish that rounds the wine out beautifully.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Comes from 6 acres (2.5 ha) of north-east-facing vines at 400 ft (120 m) elevation. The shallow slopes of the vineyard are a richer alluvial clay-loam soil. Light garnet. Scents of sweet raspberry pastilles and a touch of dried herbs. Candied raspberry and redcurrant flavours have a juicy brightness thanks to excellent acidity which brings an orange-peel zing to the finish. Silky, with barely perceptible tannins. Excellent. (AY)
Coming from a mix of Swan, 115, and Pommard clones, planted in alluvial, clay soils, the 2018 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is upfront and ready to go, with a big perfume of spiced red fruits, dried flowers, new leather, and sappy green herb-like aromas and flavors. Fleshy, medium-bodied, and with plenty of fruit, drink this already complex and nuanced 2018 over the coming 7-8 years.
The 2018 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is soft and caressing, with lovely red berry fruit. Blood orange, spice and cedar nuances add pretty top notes. Soft contours give the Family Farm a good deal of early appeal, but, here, too, the acids are wonderfully bright. The Family Farm doesn’t have the structure or tannins of some of the other wines, but it is immensely appealing.