The American Vine Rating
Drink Window
2025–2035
One of California's cult Pinot Noir producers at the top of its game — mountain fruit, electric precision.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright ruby with a slight translucence.
Aroma: Red cherry, raspberry, and blood orange with rose, pine forest, and crushed stone.
Palate: Medium bodied with taut structure, vibrant acidity, and remarkably fine tannins.
Finish: Very long and mineral-driven, with mountain freshness and pure red fruit..
Food Pairings
Salmon, duck, coq au vin, aged goat cheese
About the Wine
The Horseshoe Vineyard sits high in the Santa Cruz Mountains on rocky, uplifted seafloor soils. The estate farms it with obsessive care; the 2023's long cool season produced a wine of unusual energy and precision.
About Rhys Vineyards
Founded by Kevin Harvey in the early 2000s, Rhys Vineyards has become one of California's most acclaimed Pinot Noir producers, farming six vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains with a vineyard-first philosophy.
The American Vine's Take
Precise, restrained, and thrillingly mineral — Rhys shows that California Pinot can stand with Burgundy's best on its own terms.
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