2008 Rhys Vineyards Skyline Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

12.2% alc., $69. 2.12 acres at 2280’ to 2375’ with 20%-35% slope. Mixed suitcase clones closely planted. 2”-4” of top soil over Lorenzo shale and limestone. Yields 1.24 tons per acre. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Plenty of aromatic interest with scents of blackberry preserves, black currants, and kirsch with hints of spice and green garden. Tasty core of dark plum and berry fruits with complimentary oak highlights. Richly fruited, crisp and juicy, with noticeably firm, prominent tannins, and a refreshing lift of acidity on the bright finish. The most restrained tannins of the wines tasted here and the most approachable of the three wines. About the same the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Very good. Reviewed May 15, 2011

Winery: Rhys Vineyards
From article: California Pinot With Plenty of Noir