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2018 Rhys Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir

Removed from a professional wine storage facility; Purchased at retail

Removed from a professional wine storage facility

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

100Jeb Dunnuck

...gorgeous, Burgundian bouquet of red and black fruits, potpourri, sous bois, spice box, and dried flowers...perfectly balanced, has a thrilling texture, ample mid-palate depth, and flawlessly integrated tannins, fruit, and acidity.

97Vinous / IWC

...dark, unctuous wine. Black cherry, plum, licorice, menthol and gravel...tremendous depth and concentration...creaminess and density, with a touch of whole cluster savoriness that balances things out nicely.

18.5Jancis Robinson

Intense aromas of raspberry and raspberry leaf are tinged with floral notes. Silky, and frankly gorgeous, flavours of raspberry and candied lavender mix with dusty soil and hints of cranberry relish. Dried fennel seed notes linger in the finish with faint but muscular tannins. Incredible depth, persistence and complexity here. A phenomenal wine.

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

Red Wine, Pinot Noir

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.