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Reviews
95 Vinous -
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The 2016 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard is incredibly elegant and finessed. Aging in 25HL cask give the Syrah striking translucence and energy, with less bombastic fruit than in the past, and far greater nuance. Crushed red berry fruit, rose petal, mint and sage are all lifted by the 100% whole clusters, while firm yet well-integrated tannins give energy and cut. I can't wait to see how the 2016 ages. The 2016 spent 28 months in oak.
93+ Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
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The 2016 Syrah Horseshoe Vineyard exhibits aromas of crunchy wild berries, juniper, cracked black pepper, rich soil and subtle smoke. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, firm and chewy, with super depth and concentration, a multidimensional core and a long, taut finish. Harvested in mid-October, this is going to demand plenty of patience, but it's full of promise.
Technical Details
- BlendSyrah
- WinemakerJeff Brinkman
- CountryUS
- RegionCalifornia Central Coast
- AppellationSanta Cruz Mountains
- VineyardHorseshoe Vineyard
Rhys Horseshoe Syrah Santa Cruz Mountains 2016
Syrah Blends | US
VN95, WA93+
Too late, we are SOLD OUT!
SUPER RARE! The Syrah from Rhys is a rarity indeed and one that evokes the most exciting character of Hermitage in a uniquely Santa Cruz-y expression of this wonderful grape variety. The 2016 Syrah is all about floral elegance and energy with a ton of crunchy red fruits and earthy minerals. Aged in giant 25 Hectoliter casks give this zero impression of wood, so the minerality and purity of this incredible site shine through brightly. There is undeniable chaparral and wild herb profile to the branbly red fruits with layer upon layer of liquefied rock, juniper and white pepper. A wine to rival the great expressions of the grape made in the world (IMHO), give this wine 10 years and taste next to Chave, Jaboulet or Chapoutier and prepare for the jaws to hit the floor.
About the Producer
Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Rhys Vineyards' owner Kevin Harvey and winemaker Jeff Brinkman fashion a bevy of brilliant pinot noirs, Chardonnays and syrahs from a diverse set of mostly estate vineyards. While Kevin made wine in his garage starting around 1995, it wasn't until 2001 that he decided to create Rhys Vineyards. He set out with the goal to find hillside sites in California that were similar to those in Burgundy. All of his new sites favor high-density plantings (in some cases upwards of 17,000 vines per acres) of suitcase pinot noir clones, and they're all farmed biodynamically by the team at Rhys. Where they can, they utilize dry farming, but the driest, rockiest sites (Skyline) still require moderate irrigation. Rhys is on fire right now in restaurant lists and in geeky wine cirlces arcoss the country. Try throwing one of these pinot's or Chardonnay's into a blind tasting of Burgundy and prepare to be blown away.