Bearwallow Vineyard, Pinot Noir, 2018
Initially a little shy, with air this opens up to reveal a ripe, pure nose, all red and blue berries, a touch of sweet spice and notes of pine and fresh black tea leaves. On the palate, sweet yet salty berry and plum fruit merges with black tea and plenty of dark fruit spice culminating in that Bearwallow stony 'sting' on the finish. Supple, plump and translucent yet overall, exceptionally refined and silky.
critic reviews
The 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is progressing nicely past its initial phase, with potpourri, cocoa powder, dried clove and strawberry leaf aromas. The palate is silky and elegant with slightly softened acidity and tannins that, while still very much present, show early signs of integration. Considering the immense structure and slow-moving nature of the Santa Cruz Mountains wines, this is relatively wide open should readers wish to dip a toe into this fantastic vintage from Rhys.
The 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard marries the forward fruit that is so typical of this site with the brisk acids and freshness that are such signatures of this great Pinot vintage. Sweet floral and spice notes lead into a core of red berry fruit as this polished, classically built Pinot reveals its considerable charms. The 2018 has plenty to offer. I wouldn’t be in a rush to open it, but for readers who can’t resist, it is the most approachable of these wines.