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2010 Rhys "Horseshoe Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah

2010 Rhys "Horseshoe Vineyard" Santa Cruz Mountains Syrah

94JD
94VN
92JG

94

Jeb Dunnuck

Review Date: 12/2012
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Coming from a young vineyard (planted in 2004) and a blend of 100% Syrah that was fermented with 100% whole-cluster, the decidedly old school 2010 Horseshoe Vineyard is a gorgeous example of cool-climate, California Syrah. Possessing a mostly opaque ruby/purple color, it delivers a classic array of white pepper-laced black berries, wild herbs, pine resin, edgy minerality, and hints of game on the nose. Classic in style, with edgy acidity that’s balanced by superb depth, good concentration, and ripe tannin, this overall elegant beauty has gorgeous complexity, building richness, and outstanding length. It will be better in 3-4 years, and drink nicely for 15+ years or more.

Price: $79.99

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Professional Reviews

94

Vinous

Review Date: 07/2013
The 2010 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard was made from fruit harvested in November, not unusual in this cool, drawn-out growing season. Blackberry jam, cloves, menthol and licorice flesh out in a textured, deeply expressive wine endowed with tons of pure class. The 2010 was made with 100% whole clusters. Malolactic fermentation took place in tank and the wine was subsequently aged in neutral oak barrels. This is a fabulous effort in a very challenging vintage. (AG)

92

John Gilman

Review Date: 06/2013
These are still quite young vines, having only been planted in 2004, but it is quite clear that the Rhys team is keeping a tight rein on yields here and the 2010 Horseshoe syrah is outstanding. It is not quite as soil-driven as the 2010 Skyline syrah (this vineyard does not share the same limestone found at Skyline), but it is every bit as complex and impressive. I love its octane level of 12.8 percent. The superb nose offers up scents of cassis, grilled venison, black olive, pepper, a nice touch of syrah’s medicinal overtones, a bit of vinesmoke and just a hint of oak. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, pure and nicely transparent, with a fine core, moderate tannins and excellent complexity on the long and impressive finish. Aromatically, this is more along the lines of Cornas (to Skyline’s Côte-Rôtie tilt), but it is lighter on its feet that most Cornas and relies more on intensity of flavor, rather than muscle. It is an excellent wine that is already approachable, but which will really be better with a handful of years in the cellar. Fine juice. Drink between 2013-2035.

WS

Wine Spectator

Review Date: 03/2014
Presents the beefy, herbal, tobacco-accented side of cool-site Syrah. There's plenty to admire here, with pepper, bell pepper and dried herb notes. The texture is supple up front and gripping on the finish. (JL)

Notes

94 points, Stephen Tanzer for Vinous: "Glass-staining purple. Powerful, smoke-accented aromas of black and blue fruit preserves, olive and licorice, with a spicy topnote. Shows textbook syrah character and intense blueberry and cassis flavors lifted by tangy acidity. Finishes smoky, sweet and very long, with smooth tannins lending shape and gentle grip." (5/2013)

Product Details

Origin: Santa Cruz Mountains, California, United States

Type/Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

SKU: #1171777