The 2022 Chardonnay Mt. Pajaro Vineyard is high-toned in lemon zest and curd and wet stone, and it’s mineral-driven on the palate and complex with punchy acidity that accentuates a textured, medium-bodied palate that is still developing and should age easily another 10 years, if not more. Sea spray and honeycomb give it a contrasting, yet complementary character that is sure to develop further into intriguing secondary characteristics. (VB)

My favorite iteration of this wine yet, the 2022 Chardonnay Mt. Pajaro Vineyard is coiled yet eager to unwind, palpably displaying a blazingly intense mineral nature simmering just under the surface. The nose introduces a live-wire, electric palate with just enough balancing richness to avoid sharpness, becoming even more lively and dexterous with further aeration. The finish is weightlessly intense and chock-full of lifted, oceanic intensity. This site is increasingly equally yoked with the more established Alpine and Horseshoe sites, positioning itself to add a third layer to the annual horse race between the two. (ML) 95+

The Mount Pajaro Chardonnay from Rhys is truly stunning in 2022. The bouquet hops from the glass in a complex combination of apple, pear, fresh almond, lime zest, stony minerality, white lilies, a touch of honeysuckle and a deft framing of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is focused, full-bodied, complex and beautifully proportioned, with a fine spine of acidity, laser-like focus and cut, a gorgeous core of fruit and a very long, seamlessly balanced and vibrant finish. I love the backend grip here. I have been saying for a few years that the Mount Pajaro bottling is coming into its own as these vines reach a good age and this brilliant 2022 version bears this out. Great, great juice.