February 1, 2024 - PnP. Medium light greenish gold. Nose of citrus and mineral. On the palate this is more orchard fruit driven with a lovely roundness to the fruit and finishes with good acidity. The balance is spot-on; would be more likely to think Old World given the restraint and lack of oak influence. One of the best Rhys Chards I've tasted. Will last a few more years but likely at peak.
October 24, 2023 - Last had this wine about 4.5 yrs ago, this wine is shining and quite nice.
Orchard fruits, some citrus, roasted nuts, and sage.
Nicely supportive acidity, drink through 2028+.
July 30, 2023 - Slightly flinty, Meyer lemon, med body and med + avid, balanced
July 26, 2023 - Cork showed signs of leakage. Tastes a little off but still developing. Will let it warm up a bit and hope it settles down.
July 13, 2023 - Last bottle, still charming taut and energetic. After drinking a lot of Chablis lately I was really surprised at the richness of this wine. Pretty tasty.
June 17, 2023 - From 500mL bottle. Leaking likely due to faulty cork. Despite the loose cork and previous seepage, the color was a medium shade of yellow, appropriate for its age, with no signs of premature oxidation on the nose or palate. Flinty nose with quince and pear notes. Burgundian in style, dry almost austere finish, clean and subdued oak regimen, laser-like focus. Shows notes of seashell, lemon, ginger and apple skin on the palate. To my taste, among the best in CA chard.
April 21, 2023 - Cork was loose and the screw simply pushed the cork into the bottle. Somewhat advanced (no surprise), some lemon notes. Good structure, but hard to really evaluate under the circumstances.
April 17, 2023 - Best cork I've had on a 2013 Rhys Chardonnay; this did not have signs that it had soaked through to the top. And the wine itself showed as well as it always has. Deep, full aromas with citrus oil, nut, and cream. The palate is full and rich, with oily viscosity and zingy acidic snap. The long finish is focused on the center palate and has waves of flavor in retroolefaction. Really nice, and as compelling a bottle of Alpine Chardonnay as I've had from any vintage. My last one, but I wish I had more. I have not had any bottles that seemed to be prematurely advanced.
January 25, 2023 - Deep yellow hue that exudes tart green apple and dried apricot flavors. Crisp and chalky notes on a lingering finish.
December 25, 2022 - Popped and poured. Remarkably youthful, fresh. Cool nose of white flowers, lime and a little marine comes through. The wine is tightly coiled, energetic, showing little oak and decent length. Chablis like in style. May get even better in time.
After three days in the fridge this is still is pretty good shape.