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)

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+

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)