July 27, 2020 - This is the oldest Rhys I've had since it's of course the oldest Rhys it's possible to have without breaking into Kevin's basement. On release it floored me with its complexity, rocky expression, and conspicuous absence of any indication it's from a heat-wave vintage. Fourteen years later the ripe fruit scents fill the room as it's decanted and is probably more expressive of the sunshine now than it was then. But that aspect of it hasn't taken over because with airtime it segues back to the familiar profile with mellower, middleweight fruit packed with red rocks that make it taste like it was grown on Mars. It still tastes younger than some Rhys you can have from the following few vintages but some of those are a bit backwards to be in a happy drinking state and this is not like that at all - it still has tannin to give it texture (which if not quite cashmere is at least very finely combed, very comfy merino) but this is open and easygoing. But maybe better to keep holding another 5 or 10 if you want something more evolved.
August 20, 2019 - Rhys Tasting (Knightsbridge - Northbrook IL): Red cherry and berry with dried herbs, subtle spice and a dollop of earth. Medium density, but so well made with good balance and freshness for such young vines. Bought from winery on release.
October 29, 2013 - A beautiful bottle. No brett, no signs of the difficult year. This is in prime time, though it took at least a couple of hours after double decanting for it to show itself fully. The aromatics were stunning.
May 18, 2013 - i've gone through just over a half a case of this, and sadly this was my last bottle. this particular bottle is a bit past its prime and some of the complexity has dissipated. it's still a delight to drink.
November 4, 2012 - This is the first convincing red Rhys I've had, and it was very convincing. Beautiful, soaring aromatics; haunting stuff. This is what SCM Pinot should be: red fruits with spicy overtones and real minerality. Could use a more density and depth, but these vines were babies. Now, if only the pricing will slow down so I can stay with them.
May 4, 2012 - loamy soil, stemmy bay leaf, rose petals on a barn-yardy note. Much less oak presence than the 04 Alpine I had recently. On the palate, saline, moist soil, cherry, and a nice sappy presence, herbal and long. Reminds a little of a nice Chinon.
February 14, 2012 - This had a tough flighting, behind two good burgs, and I think suffered due to that placement. Still showing more primary than anticipated. Interestingly, I recall having this a few years ago and think it showed better at that point.
February 13, 2012 - Not as awesome in the company of mature Burgs from 1980 and 1998 but a respectable showing none the less. This does run to the bigger side of PN which isn't really my favoratie profile. Very solid PN though and much to like. Dark fruited, some minerality,and balanced. Still could use 3-5yrs to really shine. Noticed some oak influence on the nose yet. Popped and poured. I think this might be my cue to jump off the list soon with prices getting kinda crazy from all the hype surounding this amicable producer.
February 1, 2012 - it's been such a joy to follow this wine over the past few years, and i'll count myself in the lucky few afforded this opportunity. what is missing in the kaleidoscopic, ever evolving complexity from previous bottles is more than compensated for by the over all completeness and seamlessness in the wine. very well integrated at this juncture. red cherries and flowers intricately woven among a prominent backdrop of autumn leaves and minerals. very soft and deftly balanced. for those of you who waited before digging in, you missed out about in the past 2 years. on the flip side, you'll be rewarded in a different way. stunning! kudos once again to the team at rhys.
September 23, 2011 - nose - floral, bubble gum, and a good dose of oak
mouth - tight strawberry and raspberry fruit, good acidity