Wednesday, June 7, 2023 - Opened and decanted. Saved half in a 375ml bottle.
Dark ruby color.
Nose offers a dark fruited profile with tones of forest floor and dried herbs.
Some dried tangerine peel as an accent.
Intro on the palate is a tangy cranberry, strawberry note. Lively and fresh with acidity and touch of macerated red berries.
Quite enjoyable.
I have previously found a crunchy fresh cranberry note to the Rhys Alpine pinots when opened young (4 years or less from vintage). This with its 12+ years of age, shows some darker woodsy elements. The cranberry is still there - just more like a dried cranberry.
Following day - enjoyed the balance in the 375ml bottle. I had also saved some in the original bottle and refrigerated.
The 375ml retained the fresh light re berry touch.
The wine that was exposed to air for a longer period showed a darker black fruit profile.
For me, I preferred the fresher, lighter, red berry style.
Quality Cork; branded with vintage and vineyard.
13.7% abv.