2011 Rhys Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Like the 2012 Alpine Vineyard, the 2011 Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard is darker in color than its 2011 counterpart, with slightly more honeyed notes of ripe golden apple, caramelized citrus, honeysuckle and crushed rock all emerging from the glass. Fresh and lively on the palate, with bright acidity, it has solid mid-palate concentration, beautiful tension and vibrancy, and a great finish. I suspect this will age like a top-flight Chablis and have 15 years or more of longevity.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A model of precision, finesse and delineation, the 2011 Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard bristles with the essence of honey, white truffle, orange peel and nectarine. The 2011 needs a few years to drop some of its baby fat, but the direction it is likely to take becomes apparent with time in the glass. Watching the wine literally become crystalline and pure with air is quite an amazing experience.
(aged for 16 months in oak, 25% of it new): Bright yellow-gold. Explosive aromas of mineral-accented orange, nectarine and white flowers, with a smoky overtone. Taut and sharply focused, showing superb concentration and tension to flavors of crystallized lemon, white peach and chalky minerals. The mineral-driven finish clings with striking tenacity.