Rhys Vineyards is one of California’s most philosophically coherent and critically respected Pinot Noir estates, founded by software entrepreneur and Benchmark Capital partner Kevin Harvey in 2001 with the express purpose of producing site-specific, terroir-driven Pinot Noir from high-elevation, mineral-rich mountain sites. The winery operates six vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains and one in Anderson Valley, with each bottling functioning as a precise document of a specific site rather than a house style. Winemaker Jeff Brinkman has been with the estate from the beginning.

Bearwallow Vineyard sits in the remote “Deep End” of the Anderson Valley in Mendocino County, planted in 2008 at elevations of 300 to 600 feet on fractured Wolfey-Bearwallow shale, with 10 to 25 inches of topsoil over the bedrock. The vines are farmed biodynamically, harvested by hand, foot-trodden during fermentation with native yeasts, and aged 18 months with only 5% new French oak, producing a wine of striking transparency to site. The 2016 vintage at Rhys was described by Wine Advocate critic Will Kelly as “silky, perfumed and highly nuanced” across the range.

Rhys commands a devoted following among collectors who seek Pinot Noir of genuine site expression and natural acidity rather than opulence or high alcohol. The wines are distributed exclusively via mailing list in limited quantities, making bottles available through specialist merchants a notable rarity. The Wine Advocate has consistently rated Rhys among the top Pinot Noir producers in California, and the 2016 Bearwallow received 92 points from both the Wine Advocate and Vinous, reflecting the wine’s characteristic approachability and seductive, silky-textured character.

A medium ruby of notable translucency with aromas of black plums, wild berries, peonies and rich soil. The palate is supple and layered with a crunchy core of dark red fruit, succulent natural acidity and silky tannins leading to a fresh, mouthwatering finish. One of the most approachable wines in the Rhys lineup; drinking well now and through 2030.

The most approachable of Rhys’ vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs, the 2016 Bearwallow offers aromas of black plums, wild berries, peonies and rich soil. Supple and layered on the palate, with a juicy core of crunchy fruit, succulent acids and lovely freshness. Already integrated and giving.  — Wine Advocate