San Mateo, Pinot Noir, 2013
A blend of fruit from Family Farm and Horseshoe vineyards, displaying fine, high-toned red fruit, orange peel and wild strawberry notes that are presented in a more ethereal package than the AV, with beautiful transparency of flavour and the finest of bones. Coming in at under 13% alcohol, like many of the Rhys wines, this delivers lots of elegant mineral stony character with the delicate fruit flavours. Fleet of foot and ready to drink now or enjoy over the coming 5+ years. Very fine.
critic reviews
Much more fruit loaded and rounded than the Santa Cruz Mountains release, the 2013 Pinot Noir San Mateo County comes mostly from the Family Farm vineyard, with a touch from Horseshoe. It gives up lots of strawberry, Bing cherry, spice, and floral nuances to go with beautiful fruit and texture on the palate. It's one of the most approachable Pinots in the lineup, but I suspect it will still have another 5-7 years of longevity.
The 2013 Pinot Noir San Mateo County is bright and decidedly citrus-laced in its profile. Bright red cherry, orange peel, white pepper and savory herbs. The 50% whole clusters add lift, but are also impeccably balanced throughout. With time in the glass, distinctly sweet, kirsch-inflected notes are pushed forward. Delicate and lithe in the glass, the 2013 San Mateo will drink well pretty much upon release. The 2013 is mostly Family Farm with a touch of Horseshoe.