Rhys, Mt. Pajaro Vineyard Pinot Noir other_regions

Rhys, Mt. Pajaro Vineyard Pinot Noir other_regionsAlso upfront and already expressive, the 2018 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard comes from a slightly higher elevation site (1,000 feet) in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is a mix of heritage clones and massale selection. Darker currants, raspberries, scorched earth, spice, and earthy, foresty notes dominate the bouquet, and this medium to full bodied, elegant 2018 has beautiful tannins, a solid sense of minerality, and a great finish. Drink it any time

fleshiest and fullest (perhaps because it is the youngest) of this vertical except for the unbottled 2017

this is a pretty sweet but also saline

Greatly refined tannins and concentrated black fruit on the palate

yet supple

quite dry and long on the finish

There is almost painful intensity to the chiseled and overtly stony medium weight flavors that possess excellent delineation on the refreshing

There is slightly better mid-palate volume to the equally caressing medium weight flavors that offer a bit more overall depth and persistence on the dusty and well-balanced if more evidently structured finish that exudes a hint of bitter cherry pit character

rich and totally seductive in mouth

gracious style for the year

4 ha parcel of 70+ year old vines)

yet the depth and persistence are impressive

and there is an enthralling underlying mineralité that imparts so much complexity and nuance on the finish