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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 92.8 pts. and median of 93 pts. in 44 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by shaferguy91 on 11/17/2023 & rated 93 points: Drinking Beautifully (787 views) | | | Tasted by pjhr on 4/29/2023 & rated 94 points: Delicious dark cherry, earth, and spice on the nose and savory palate with refreshing acidity on the long finish. Simply delicious! (1054 views) | | | Tasted by dougie on 3/23/2023 & rated 93 points: Big and beautiful. Can go many years due to acid going strong. Went through many changes over 4 hours, decanted for an hour. Enjoyed the 08 skyline a bit more a few months back, more polished and lush- preferences. This was more burly and spicy. (1190 views) | | | Tasted by Tree512 on 3/10/2023 & rated 94 points: Great wine fully ready to go. Deep purple fruit, complex and long. (1091 views) | | | Tasted by silton on 1/15/2023 & rated 94 points: Muted cherry, plum and dried berry fruit is nicely complemented by tertiary notes that linger. Harmonious with modest depth and complexity. Has the balance and still a bit of tannin to last a while but I'm happy with my decision to pop this now. 93-94. @Naschmarkt Palo Alto. (1300 views) | | | Tasted by DougLee on 4/23/2022 & rated 92 points: Translucent ruby. Nose of hawthorn, red berry, bits of pine, dense earth. Layers of sinewy but sweetly rich and slightly tart red berry, brier, and graphite on the palate. Freshening acidity and firm tannin. Moderately long finish of berry, fine soil, and hints of iron. Nicely done. (1281 views) | | | Tasted by jlm on 4/10/2021: My experience mirrors JBaron's below. This is a nice wine, with that telling cool light stem-inclusion texture, but it's doesn't grab me as particularly exciting. Maybe it still needs time to unfurl, or maybe these are more interesting at an earlier stage of the aging trajectory. I guess it will be some years until we find out. (1559 views) | | | Tasted by SeaSea on 1/9/2021: PNP day one. Nice savory dark fruit. Wel integrated. Drinking well. Enjoyed over two nights. No side of fading. Lovely. (1817 views) | | | Tasted by jbaron on 12/24/2020 & rated 92 points: Decanted for 90 minutes. Good nose and great length, but the mouth seems unintelligible, hidden under structure. The wine appears with coaxing, and is good, but to what ultimate end?
With only one other bottle remaining, I’d say wait until ... 2025? (1664 views) | | | Tasted by Mike Dildine on 12/19/2020 & rated 96 points: 13% abv. Medium burgundy red, very aromatic. On the palate, raspberry, pomegranate, dried flowers and Christmas spices. Excellent depth and length. Beautifully evolved and integrated, still vibrant, showing power and finesse. This is superior Pinot, delicious and thought provoking, wish I had more. (1814 views) | | | Tasted by pakabear on 3/1/2020 & rated 93 points: Really really tight initially, however the nose has some resolved elements to it. It starts to open with air, medium cherry, mixed spice blend, dried earth, tar, licorice, rhubarb, good density, medium fine grain tannins. Very good, could get better. (2372 views) | | | Tasted by Frank Murray III on 1/12/2020: Rhys @ My Place--Part 5 (My House In The South OC): Oddly, I have never tasted this wine. We included it yesterday in our Rhys tasting at the house, to be poured alongside the Horseshoe and Alpine 2008s, a three bottle flight poured single blind. Let me sketch this wine in two parts: my notes from yesterday and my notes from a pour I just made tonight from yesterday's bottle leftovers. Yesterday I found a caramel/brewed coffee note in the aromatic. Black cherry intensity, berry jam. Tangy. Seems tight and coiled with a mineral, tangy finish. Funny, a few people at the table yesterday though this was Alpine or Horseshoe. So, fast forward to today, I am revisiting the wine again. Similar brewed coffee note, but with added florally that I did not sense yesterday. There is a density to this wine, and like the 2008 Alpine, a distinct concentration that is pretty amazing for a wine that is now over a decade old. I'd call this classy, pure, with a broad swath of red fruit that coats my palate. There is a light tang here to the fruit too, joined with a complementing acidity. Overall, this is the real deal and if this is what Swan Terrace can do with age, I can see why this plot is esteemed as it is. Beautiful. If I can find this vintage of Swan on the auction market at a good price, I am buying. (2555 views) | | | Tasted by WetRock on 1/11/2020: Rhys Alpine/Horseshoe Tasting at Frank's (Frank Murray's Casa): Bagged but knew all but which vineyard was in which bag. Decanted about 6 hours prior to tasting. All these 08's showed tons of young fruit still, especially in comparison to the much less extracted, much younger wines in front of them. Floral, subtle sexy nose. Fleshy still. juicy yet showing minerals. Grippy. This one probably showed the best of the three. Seems like there is something a touch more special in here. Giving the showing even after plenty of air you've got plenty of time to find out. Could be playing on another level. (1964 views) | | | Tasted by grafstrb on 1/11/2020: -- decanted approx. 6 hours before tasting --
-- tasted single blind over approx. 30 minutes --
Incredible Nose on this one: concentrated strawberry; deep cherry; concentrated brown sauce. Light bodied on the palate, with dark red fruits, good acidity, and a touch of brett. 13.0% alc.. My favorite of this flight, alongside the '08 Horseshoe and the '08 Alpine. A very pleasant drink now, but I see more upside with the Hold. (1844 views) | | | Tasted by glou.sf on 9/17/2019 & rated 94 points: Rhys Dinner (Golden Triangle, Los Gatos): Complex nose of spices, red berries, and smoke. Great acidity with tart berries, cherries, and more spices on the palate. Long finish. Out of the 2006-2010 Swan Terrace flight, this was a close second to the 2010. 94+ (1969 views) | | | Tasted by alanr on 9/17/2019 & rated 94 points: Lovely light spice/earth nose, beautiful dark raspberry and black cherry palate, more of those wonderful light spice notes, great complexity and balance. (2106 views) | | | Tasted by texaswinelover on 12/28/2018: Popped and poured. Certainly get the burgundy comparisons as the fruit was restrained. A lot of forestry, underbrush notes. Acid high to my palate. Lingering finish. Enjoyed. Not a quaffable thirst quencher by any means. (1866 views) | | | Tasted by TomTom on 8/15/2018 & rated 89 points: I'm not convinced this one is going to come around to be a great wine. Second bottle and this was is about the same as two years ago. Somewhat bitter finish. Not a bad wine, per se, but clearly not was I was hoping when I spent $70 for a California Pinot. (2099 views) | | | Tasted by dougie on 6/22/2018: Wait many years more! Decanted for an hour. Awkward and a touch harshness at first. Evolved a lot over 4 hours. A stunning fruit came out for a while and then went away. The mystery continues. (1994 views) | | | Tasted by Burgundy Al on 9/8/2017 & rated 91 points: Chicago Wine Flock...Burgundy Al Asks "Is it Grand Cru?" (My home - Chicago IL): Served double blind to the tasting group. Lots of rich black, red and blue fruit aromas with some baking spice. Similar flavors, but less forthcoming and slightly masked by firm tannins. Similar to the Swan Terrace in the next glass, just less harmonious. Needs time. (3724 views) | | | Tasted by rc@ughey on 5/13/2017 & rated 92 points: In a nice spot with room to improve. Expressive nose and middleweight palate with nice depth and richness. Beautiful texture, crunchy fruit, and some earth. On the riper end of the spectrum but the balance is good. (2985 views) | | | Tasted by mzimberg on 2/18/2017 & rated 94 points: Complex, enchanted forrest aromas of cedar, leaves, rain, and wild tiny blue fruits. Incredible chewy, creamy texture. The palate has a multi-dimensional, serious yet pretty nature, with savory wild game, blueberry, blackberry, black truffle, and earth. Very powerful finish. At age 9, this is still on the primary side. (2822 views) | | | Tasted by Mr T on 3/1/2016: Does nothing for me (3364 views) | | | Tasted by cubswinws on 6/22/2015 & rated 94 points: Drank with grilled halibut. Just a great showing and lovely dark fruit with soft finish. Really nice! (3526 views) | | | Tasted by LongViewCellars on 8/9/2014 & rated 94 points: Pinot Dinner at Chablis with fellow Berserkers. Overall solid showing. 94 points. (3593 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By John Gilman
View From the Cellar, May/Jun 2011, Issue #33, Recently Tasted California Wines The Search for Traditionalists Turns Up A Crowd
(Rhys Vineyards “Swan Terrace” Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains)) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Allen Meadows
Burghound, October 2010, Issue #40
(Rhys Vineyards Pinot Noir - Swan Terrace Villages Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By John Gilman
View From the Cellar, Sep/Oct 2010, Issue #29, In Search of California’s New and Old Schools of Terroir
(Rhys Vineyards “Swan Terrace” Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains)) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Josh Raynolds
Vinous, May/June 2010, IWC Issue #150
(Rhys Vineyards Pinot Noir Swan Terrace Santa Cruz Mountains) Subscribe to see review text. | By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (7/19/2012)
(Rhys Pinot Noir Swan Terrace) Group's #6, my #7, 42 pts - medium ruby color; reticent, light caramel, tart cherry, stems nose; tight yet, tart cranberry, very tart cherry palate with medium-plus acidity, firm tannins and integrating oak; medium-plus finish 91+ points 91 points |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of View From the Cellar and Burghound and Vinous and RJonWine.com. (manage subscription channels) |
| Rhys Producer websitePinot Noir Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.
Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.
Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.
The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.
Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.
In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.
With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.
Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.USAAmerican wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.California2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson Santa Cruz Mountains Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association | Wikipedia
Once referred to by wine writers as the Chaine d'Or -- or "golden chain" -- the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA sits above Silicon Valley, running along the craggy range next to the Pacific on some of the prettiest parts of Northern California. The area supports more than 75 wineries, despite being limited by geography and high land prices.
In 1981 the Santa Cruz Mountains Viticultural Appellation became federally recognized, one of the first American viticultural areas to be defined by geophysical and climatic factors. The appellation encompasses the Santa Cruz Mountain range, from Half Moon Bay in the north, to Mount Madonna in the south. The east and west boundaries are defined by elevation, extending down to 800 feet in the east and 400 feet in the west. |
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