Alpine Vineyard, Pinot Noir, 2018

Name: Alpine Vineyard, Pinot Noir
Brand: Rhys Vineyards
Price: 595.93 GBP

Available Vintages

all 2013 2018 2019 2021 2022

justerini & brooks tasting note

A little more focussed and less exotic than Horseshoe with a finely tuned yet complex aromas of meadow flowers, wild strawberry, and a touch of wild savoury spice and dark sapid fruit. As this slinks its way across the palate small red berry fruit, wild herb, cool minerality all come together with wonderful persistence and quiet intensity, as energetic driving flavour is lifted by taut tannins. A touch of savoury complexity from the 25% whole bunch fermentation only serves to add an extra layer of interest to the fine sweet fruit.

critic reviews

96/100Matthew Luczy,Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2018 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is darker in color and more aromatically dazzling out of the gate than its Horseshoe counterpart. It offers a captivating, herbal nose of black fruits, garrigue, tree bark and sweet tobacco. The palate is powerful and assertive, springing off the tongue and coating the mouth with elegant dark fruits, fine, persistent tannins and perfectly balanced acidity. The finish is intense yet full of finesse, providing a wonderful juxtaposition to the upfront attack of the palate and intensity of the nose. It is an endlessly fascinating wine on its own, and even more so with the Horseshoe next to it. Given the energy and textural vivacity on display, this should remain in the cellar for another few years to capitalize on this immense potential.

DRINKING WINDOW 2028 - 2038

date of review 04/2024

95+/100Antonio Galloni,Vinous

The 2018 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard opens with striking, floral-infused aromatics that give the wine presence and structure. Savory and finely cut, with superb delineation, and tons of depth, the Alpine is positively stellar today. Layers of fruit enshroud the tannins, making them barely perceptible. The 2018 is a stunning Pinot from Alpine, a site originally planted with 17 heritage clones.

DRINKING WINDOW 2024 - 2038

date of review 09/2020