Rhys Vineyards is one of California's most celebrated and uncompromising Pinot Noir producers, established by Kevin Harvey in 2004 in the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Francisco. The Horseshoe Vineyard occupies a steep, remote site at 1,360 to 1,610 feet elevation on Monterey formation limestone soils intermingled with clay, planted to a mix of thirteen different Pinot Noir clones. The estate is practising biodynamic and produces wines through entirely native yeast fermentation, foot treading and minimal sulphur usage, approaching Pinot Noir with the same philosophy and seriousness that drives the finest small Burgundy domaines.

The Wine Advocate awarded 92 points, describing 'scents of dried orange peel, cranberry, rose petal, potpourri, wild blackberries, black cherries, oolong tea leaves, tobacco and peppery notes. The light to medium-bodied palate is savory with firm, grainy tannins, good freshness and a spicy finish.' Vinous (Antonio Galloni) awarded 94, noting the Horseshoe as 'one of the most distinctive wines in this range, deep, mysterious and resonant, with so much to say' in a vintage that 'seemed to deal with the rigors of the growing season particularly well.' In the half bottle format, the wine's development is accelerated slightly compared to the standard bottle.

Rhys's Horseshoe Vineyard has built a reputation as one of California's most interesting and age-worthy Pinot Noir sites, regularly scoring in the mid-nineties across multiple publications for its more recent vintages (including 96 from Wine Advocate and Vinous for the 2019). The 2017 California vintage was affected by drought conditions that concentrated the fruit considerably, and Horseshoe's limestone soils and high elevation buffered the extremes to produce a wine of characteristic mineral complexity. At eight years of age in half bottle, the wine is approaching its drinking window.

Drink now through 2028 in half bottle format. Decant one to two hours. Pair with roasted duck, pinot-complementary mushroom preparations or mild aged cheese.

Medium ruby with a translucent edge. The nose shows dried orange peel, cranberry, rose petal, potpourri, wild blackberries and oolong tea with a distinctive savory, earthy complexity. The palate is light to medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannins, good freshness and a spicy, mineral finish. Deep, mysterious and resonant; an unusually mineral and savory California Pinot Noir.