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2016 Alesia (Rhys) Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

October 8, 2023 - $26

Estimate

RATINGS

94Jeb Dunnuck

...serious, chiseled, mineral-laced style, with is classic Santa Cruz Mountains. White flowers, white peach, tangerine, and subtle honeysuckle notes all emerge from this beauty, which has vibrant acidity and notable concentration.

92The Wine Advocate

...notes of fresh pear, preserved citrus, lemon oil and a light framing of smoky reduction. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, concentrated and tensile, built around a racy line of acidity and concluding with a saline finish...

90Vinous / IWC

...classy, elegant wine. Expressive aromatics add to the wine's finessed personality and overall feel. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint and white pepper add complexity throughout.

16Jancis Robinson

...struck match, smoky reduction. Lean citrus fruit and crisp acidity scream Santa Cruz Mountains. Lemon and apple palate, with medium-long length.

REGION

United States, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

Santa Cruz Mountains AVA includes high elevation territory in the counties of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and San Mateo. The AVA follows the coast line from San Francisco to Monterey with elevations from 400 feet to 3,000 feet above sea level. There are 1,500 vineyard acres and the AVA was established in 1981. Despite the challenging terrain in these rugged mountains and hills, highly esteemed wineries have been located here since the early 20th century, when Paul Masson, a Frenchman by birth, started making sparkling wine in the area. By the 1970s vineyards were growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Numerous microclimates within the AVA offer viticulturists diverse growing conditions, and many varietals are grown successfully.

TYPE

White Wine, Chardonnay

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.