Horseshoe Vineyard Pinot Noir

Lovely plush fruit. Dark plum, a hint of hoisin, black pepper, dark roses and violet. Some underbrush. Very good

A tasting of nine Rhys Pinot Noirs from the 2008 & 2009 vintages. Jeff Brinkman, Rhys winemaker joined our group. This was the second Horseshoe Vineyard (Santa Cruz), a 2008. I found it less interesting than the others.

Masquerading as Burg at this age. The fruit has faded to a rich blackberry element. Mushroom and forest floor. Quite smoky and spicy. Still nice acid.

Opens up with 2-3 hrs air. Racy, deep fruit, very young still. Not much body

This has aged beautifully. Musky, earthy, anise, layered with dark fruit.

A burgundy clone. Amazing.

I know it is unfair to call a California wine "Burgundian," but what is special about this wine is the complex secondary aromas and flavors that are emerging now and have a ways to go. Musky, red fruit, cherries, earth, some meat, balance, silky, velvety texture and long finish. This has many years ahead of it. Big and muscular now.

Superlative

12.8% alcohol -- wonderfully high acids launch the dark cherry fruit. This wine is proof that great wines are made in every vintage.

Needs time but good potential. Give it several hours of air if you are drinking soon.