2018-2019 Rhys "Bearwallow Vineyard" Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Vertical

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard marries the forward fruit that is so typical of this site with the brisk acids and freshness that are such signatures of this great Pinot vintage. Sweet floral and spice notes lead into a core of red berry fruit as this polished, classically built Pinot reveals its considerable charms. The 2018 has plenty to offer. I wouldn’t be in a rush to open it, but for readers who can’t resist, it is the most approachable of these wines. (AG)” (09/2020)

“Always one of the lighter colored wines in the lineup, the 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard comes from an estate vineyard in the Anderson Valley. Classic notes of dried cherries, cranberries, loamy earth, and savory herbs all give way to a bright, medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir that has a solid sense of minerality, present tannins, and a good finish. I never find the same level of class or elegance from this cuvée compared to the Santa Cruz Mountain releases, yet it's a character-filled, satisfying Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming decade.” (09/2020)

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is progressing nicely past its initial phase, with potpourri, cocoa powder, dried clove and strawberry leaf aromas. The palate is silky and elegant with slightly softened acidity and tannins that, while still very much present, show early signs of integration. Considering the immense structure and slow-moving nature of the Santa Cruz Mountains wines, this is relatively wide open should readers wish to dip a toe into this fantastic vintage from Rhys. (ML)” (04/2024)

“The 2018 vintage of Bearwallow pinot noir is again pretty ripe for Rhys, but that is the nature of the vintage, coming in at 13.8 percent octane, but still offering lovely purity and bounce. The nose wafts from the glass in a refined and already quite complex constellation of red and black cherries, a touch of raspberry, black tea, a beautifully refined base of soil tones, truly gorgeous spice tones from the whole clusters and a very suave framing of spicy new oak. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, balanced and plush on the attack, with an excellent core of fruit, fine soil signature, ripe, seamless tannins and outstanding length and grip on the nascently complex and very well-balanced finish.” (05/2020)

“Here too the wood treatment is reasonably subtle though by no means imperceptible on the ripe yet fresh mix of various red berries and plenty of floral influences. The pliant and appealingly textured medium weight flavors possess a caressing mid-palate mouthfeel that progressively moves towards a dusty, serious and very firm finish where touches of warmth and austerity slowly emerge. Patience strongly advised.” (10/2020)

“The 2019 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is a powerful, searing wine. I am not sure I have tasted a Bearwallow with this much sheer intensity. Black cherry, mocha, gravel, cloves and licorice imbue this somber, backward Pinot with quite a bit of complexity. Readers should be in no rush here. The 2019 is an exceptional Bearwallow. (AG) 96+” (08/2021)

“The 2019 Bearwallow Vineyard pinot noir from Jeff Brinkman and the cellar team at Rhys is a marvelous wine in the making. The bouquet shows plenty of red fruit in its gorgeous combination of pomegranate, red and black cherries, a very complex base of soil tones, just a hint of beetroot, raw cocoa, a very discreet foundation of new oak and a topnote of rose petals. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, focused and complex, with superb transparency and grip, a lovely core of fruit, ripe, seamless tannins and a long, tangy and perfectly balanced finish. This has great backend lift and is going to be a stunning bottle when it is fully ready to drink. (JG) 94+” (05/2021)

“Coming from a site in the Anderson Valley region of Mendocino, the 2019 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard has a classic savoriness in its dried cherry and strawberry fruits as well as loamy soil, spice, and dried herb-like aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, wonderfully balanced, and elegant on the palate, it has plenty of up-front appeal, yet I have no doubt it will still be going strong in a decade as well. (JD)” (07/2021)

“The nose of the 2019 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is polished and even-keeled, evoking dark berries, wet clay and touches of lilac and rose. The palate is wonderfully seamless and silky, with a pitch-perfect balance between juicy dark fruits, upright acidity and refined, powdery tannins framed with judicious use of new oak. While this is perfectly approachable and delicious now, it will surely gain depth and dimension after 4-5 years in the cellar. (ML) 93+” (04/2024)

“A more elegant and cooler combination is comprised by notes of red currant, plum and plenty of floral elements. I very much like the texture of the sappy and energetic medium weight flavors that possess a supple mid-palate that contrasts with the dusty, serious and moderately austere finale. This robust and powerful effort is definitely built-to-age and a wine that should amply repay a decade plus of cellaring. *Outstanding*” (10/2021)