Rhys Vineyards

Today I would like to offer you a large new selection of Pinot Noir (and a little Syrah) from Rhys Vineyards in the Santa Cruz mountains, that was given to us by a gentleman who bought them all directly from the winery. Rhys Vineyards was set up by Kevin Harvey when he caught the wine bug and decided to plant some Pinot vines in his backyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1995; his passion was ignited by a bottle of Russian River Pinot which led him to his backyard experiment, and this site is now the Home Vineyard. Astounded by the raw potential, this soon blossomed into the hunt for a very particular type of vineyard site. Inspired by the Grand Crus of Burgundy, Kevin went in search of some of the coolest hillside sites in the region, with shallow topsoils and plenty of rocks; his aim was to push Pinot Noir to its Californian limits, forcing grapes to ripen fully while retaining a natural tension and minerality, all the while at remarkably low levels of alcohol (generally the wines fall between 12% and 13.5% abv). Everything about these wines speaks of attention to detail and a deep commitment to making great wine. From purchasing uncoopered staves of the finest French oak a full four years prior to cooperage, to the vast underground purpose-built winemaking cellar, no detail is left to chance. In the often-steep vineyards, vine density is extremely high and as a result farming is entirely manual and very labor intensive. In the winery, vinification is carried out at a micro-level in tiny 4ft square vats: fermentations are made using native yeats, and everything is gravity-fed without pumping, fining or filtration. In essence, the wines are given kid gloves treatment, and then aged in almost neutral French barrels, so better to promote the site-specific characters of the vineyards in the portfolio. To my mind, Rhys is producing some of the most thrilling, exciting wines in California today – and some of the best outside Burgundy – and I would urge you to gra

The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.

Producer	Vint.	Wine	Price	Qty	Order
		USA Red
Rhys	2013	Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir (1.5 L)	$297.50	1
	WA 96+ (10/2015): Not made since 2006 and described by Kevin as the ultimate expression of the vineyard, the 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Hillside Vineyard was a cellar selection (done blind) that ended up coming all from the same block of steep, east-facing vines. It has an almost Horseshoe like level of minerality in its gunpowder, flinty minerality, dusty soil, dried roses, and sweet red fruit aromas and flavors. Fresh, vibrant and weightless, yet with rocking depth and texture, it's a serious wine that tastes like the Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir on steroids. It has more fruit and depth than the straight Alpine release, so its actually more enjoyable today, yet will age even better.   VM 96 (7/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard Hillside is endowed with a real sense of vertical lift. Beams of tannin give the 2013 much of its energy and overall tension. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, graphite, mint, lavender and spices are all super-expressive, with considerable aromatic intensity added by the inclusion of 100% whole clusters. This powerful yet sleek Pinot won't be ready to drink for a number of years, but it is compelling, even today. Antonio Galloni.   BH 92 (4/2016): An overtly floral-suffused nose offers up cool and admirably pure aromas of red cherry, pomegranate and subtle spice nuances. There is fine energy and volume to the lightly mineral-laden middle weight flavors that possess both good focus and delineation, all wrapped in a dusty and ever-so-mildly austere finale. This is beautifully harmonious and understated and while there is sufficient mid-palate fat to allow it to be enjoyed young, the supporting structure is sufficiently firm to suggest that it will require at least 5 to 7 years to soften and reward at least a decade's worth. Drink 2021+. Outstanding!
	2007	Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir	$80.75	2
	BH 93 (10/2009): While understandably similar to the straight Alpine, there are some differences, in particular that the floral component from the stems is even more apparent and the fruit is ever-so-slightly fresher if not more complex or elegant. The flavor profile itself is also similar but again, there are subtle distinctions such as the slightly better detail and delineation on the mid-palate and the finish displays notably more structure that confers a dusty quality to the sappy finish. This is terrific and should also be capable of aging gracefully for up to a decade. Drink 2015+. Outstanding!   VM 92 (6/2009): Light yellow. Seductive perfume of pear, sweet butter, hazelnut and nougat, with a strong mineral underpinning. Tangy, sharply focused citrus flavors are complemented by smoky minerals and a hint of honeysuckle. The minerality gains strength on the long, sappy, smoky finish, adding impressive energy and cut. This is balanced to reward cellaring but there's a lot going on right now. Stephen Tanzer.
	2010	Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir	$89	2
	VM 93 (8/2012): In this vintage, the 2010 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is one of the more immediate wines in the lineup. It has plenty of fruit and depth, but not quite the complexity or layered personality of the very best wines in the Rhys lineup. Today it comes across as a bit one-dimensional, with pure power reigning over all else. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. Antonio Galloni.   BH 91 (1/2013): This is one of the riper wines in the range and it displays its wood treatment a bit more prominently as well with cassis, plum, spice and dried rose petal scents. There is good volume and a seductive mid-palate as there is good concentration and sap to the delicious yet entirely serious finish that is supported by firm but not aggressive tannins. This is really very good, if a bit of an outlier stylistically. Drink 2017+. Outstanding!
	2008	Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir	$89	2
	BH 95 (10/2010): An exceptionally densely fruited nose that is intensely floral and nuanced with stone, spice and soft earth hints complements to perfection the impressively concentrated medium weight plus flavors that brim with dry extract such that the very firm tannins are rendered almost invisible at present though I suspect that they will become more visible as the baby fat recedes. This broad-scaled effort should age for up to a decade and last several more. Magnificent. Drink 2016+. Outstanding.   WA 87 (2/2011): The 2008 Syrah Horseshoe Ranch (also fermented with 100% stems and aged in 25% new French oak) comes from a parcel planted at a 1,600 foot elevation. While it was impressive from barrel last year, it now reveals more tannin as well as a muscular, masculine, austere, angular, brittle style. Hints of tea, earth and red currants are buried under the hard, sinewy, charmless tannins. This wine may become desiccated unless it fleshes out and reveals more depth of fruit. There is always a delicate balance between the concentration of fruit, ripeness and tannic structure. It is prudent to be skeptical when the tannins dominate a wine’s fruit characteristics so dramatically. It will be interesting to taste this offering in 3-4 years as it is certainly going to last given the acid and tannin profiles. However, I do not know whether it will ever develop much charm or generosity.
	2008	Skyline Vyd. Pinot Noir	$89	2
	BH 94 (10/2010): A more elegant and refined nose places perhaps even more emphasis on the floral component found in all of the Rhys wines that gives way to highly complex and equally refined middle weight flavors that are quite classy and while there is no lack of power or structure, the tannins are finer, all wrapped in a stunningly long and mineral-infused finish. A very stylish effort that should reward medium to long-term cellaring. Drink 2016+. Outstanding.   WA 92-94+ (2/2010): The gorgeous 2008 Pinot Noir Skyline Vineyard (175 cases from a 3 acre vineyard planted at 2,300 feet of elevation) boasts powdered rock and floral notes intermixed with sweet plum, sassafras, autumnal/forest, dark raspberry, and allspice characteristics. The complex aromatics are followed by a wine with vibrant acidity as well as impressive depth and richness. Cellar it for 2-3 years, and consume it over the following 15 or more.
	2006	Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir	$119		Sold Out
	2007	Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir	$125		Sold Out
	2013	Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir	$165		Sold Out
	2014	Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir	$169		Sold Out
	2006	Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir	$89		Sold Out
	2011	Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir	$69		Sold Out
	2012	Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir	$69		Sold Out
	2013	Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L)	$157		Sold Out
	2013	Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir	$70		Sold Out
	2014	Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir (375 ML)	$39		Sold Out
	2014	Anderson Valley Pinot Noir	$64		Sold Out
	2008	Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir	$69		Sold Out
	2013	Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir (500 ML)	$45		Sold Out
	2013	Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir	$64		Sold Out
	2014	Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir (500 ML)	$45		Sold Out
	2016	Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir (500 ML)	$65		Sold Out
	2007	Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir	$69		Sold Out
	2008	Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir	$59		Sold Out
	2012	Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir	$45		Sold Out
	2013	Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L)	$135		Sold Out
	2013	Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir (500 ML)	$30		Sold Out
	2013	Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir	$55		Sold Out
	2014	Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir (375 ML)	$45		Sold Out
	2004	Home Vyd. Pinot Noir	$129		Sold Out
	2007	Home Vyd. Pinot Noir	$99		Sold Out
	2008	Home Vyd. Pinot Noir	$89		Sold Out
	2012	Home Vyd. Pinot Noir	$69		Sold Out
	2013	Home Vyd. Pinot Noir	$79		Sold Out
	2017	Home Vyd. Pinot Noir	$99		Sold Out
	2013	Horseshoe Hillside Pinot Noir (1.5 L)	$375		Sold Out
	2013	Horseshoe Hillside Pinot Noir	$150		Sold Out
	2014	Horseshoe Hillside Pinot Noir	$159		Sold Out
	2007	Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir	$89		Sold Out
	2011	Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir	$79		Sold Out
	2012	Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir	$85		Sold Out
	2013	Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L)	$199		Sold Out
	2013	Horseshoe Vyd. Pinot Noir	$89		Sold Out
	2010	Horseshoe Vyd. Syrah	$75		Sold Out
	2013	San Mateo County Pinot Noir	$49		Sold Out
	2013	Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir	$65		Sold Out
	2011	Skyline Vyd. Pinot Noir	$75		Sold Out
	2013	Skyline Vyd. Pinot Noir	$109		Sold Out
	2013	Skyline Vyd. Pinot Noir	$109		Sold Out
	2006	Swan Terrace Pinot Noir	$99		Sold Out
	2007	Swan Terrace Pinot Noir	$109		Sold Out
	2008	Swan Terrace Pinot Noir	$89		Sold Out
	2010	Swan Terrace Pinot Noir	$109		Sold Out
	2012	Swan Terrace Pinot Noir	$89		Sold Out
		USA White
Rhys	2013	Alpine Vyd. Chardonnay	$94		Sold Out
	2011	Horseshoe Vyd. Chardonnay	$89		Sold Out