2021 Rhys "Mt. Pajaro Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir (375ml)

“Dark red with a hint of magenta, the nose of the 2021 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard is highly complex and layered with aromas of grenadine, red berries, white pepper, and orange oils. Spicier and red-fruited, it's balanced and zesty on the palate. Medium-bodied, refined, and elegant, with a linear feel and refreshing lift, this very pretty wine is going to drink its best over the coming 10-15 years. (AF)” (06/2024)

“The 2021 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard is unique within the range of Rhys Santa Cruz Mountains Pinots in that it is the sole wine that emerges from the southern part of the appellation. Brisk and finely cut, the Mt. Pajaro encapsulates all the pedigree of this part of the appellation. Crushed rocks, chalk, white pepper, dried herbs and mint give the 2021 its brilliant upper register. This vivid, crystalline Pinot is simply lights out. (AG)” (09/2023)

“The newest site in Rhys's high-density repertoire, Mt. Pajaro, holds immense promise and has already begun delivering on it. The 2021 Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard opens with a floral, fragrant nose of cherry blossoms, citrus blossoms, hibiscus and persimmon. The palate is slender and succulent, with singing, treble-driven energy coursing through its tense, firm conclusion. This fantastic wine is made more impressive by the relative youth of the site, which, with time, should equal the heights achieved at Horseshoe, Alpine and Skyline. (ML) 94+” (04/2024)

“The Mount Parajo site is at over 260m in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is farmed organically. Aromas of alpine meadow flowers, white pepper, wild green fennel and an undercurrent of mashed mountain blueberries. The palate is marked by a core of dark fruit, with a mineral vein of stoniness throughout the wine's palate, lifted and savour in the finish with a touch of pine bough. (CP)” (08/2023)

“The pinot noir vines at Mount Pajaro get older with each passing vintage and this fine vineyard is starting to close the gap with some of the other Rhys bottlings from the Santa Cruz Mountains, now that the vines are really getting established. The 2021 version is excellent, showing off beautiful complexity on the nose in its blend of sweet dark berries, pomegranate, black tea, bonfire, brown spices, a superb base of soil, sweet stem tones and a deft framing of new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and soil-driven, with a lovely core of fruit, ripe tannins, fine focus and grip and a long, impeccably balanced and complex finish. This is lovely juice. 93+” (03/2023)

“Earthy aromas of tarragon and loam add to the black-raspberry fruit on the nose of this bottling. The palate is enlivened by sagebrush and wild herb flavors that decorate the dark plum and stewed raspberry core. (MK)” (12/2023)

“Shows mulled raspberry and red cherry fruit flavors laced with wet slate notes, while savory, red tea and cedar elements add range through the finish. Sports a focused, structured feel throughout. (JM)” (05/2024)