2012 Rhys Vineyards Horseshoe Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains 1x750ml

Vinous 94

Racy and explosive to the core, the 2012 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard hits the palate with a compelling melange of dark red and black stone fruits, cloves, new leather and menthol. Here the style is all about voluptuousness and texture, two qualities the 2012 has in spades. The Horseshoe was fermented with 20% whole clusters, but they are barely evident given the wine’s pure intensity and volume. This full-bodied, exceptionally balanced Pinot from Rhys is striking from start to finish. [Antonio Galloni, 07/01/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2024

Robert Parker 94

A ripe, layered effort that took plenty of air time to come together (I followed all of these wines over two days), the 2012 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard offers gorgeous cherry and raspberry-like notes to go with ample spice-box, dried flowers and smoky characteristics on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant, it has solid mid-palate density, bright acidity and a big finish. This seemed slightly soft right on opening, but when I came back to the bottle a few hours later, it has come together brilliantly. This beauty should be at it’s best from 2017-2027+. [01/04/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2020