"A mild whiff of menthol can be found on the equally floral-suffused nose of poached plum and spice-scented nose that is trimmed in just enough wood to notice. There is good vibrancy to the delicious and powerful full-bodied flavors that retain a good sense of detail on the very firmly structured bitter cherry pit-inflected finish. This is a powerful, bold and robust effort that makes it unambiguously clear that it is intended for extended cellaring."
Antonio Galloni
AG95
"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." -Antonio Galloni
Robert Parker
RP93
"This is only the second vintage of a Mt. Pajaro vineyard-designate Pinot Noir, and the immense potential of this site is on full display. The 2018 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard opens with aromas of black cherry, compacted soil, fruitcake and charcoal. The palate is lively, tense and generously textured, leading to a sturdy, dense, blooming finish. While this immensely structured vintage dictates the necessity of time in the cellar, this is an impressive showing from a young site with a bright future." -Matthew Luczy
Jancis Robinson
JR18
"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... 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."
