At Rhys Vineyards they aspire to make great Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah from some of California’s most unique and expressive vineyards. This pursuit has led them to search the state for exciting rocky soils that exist within the mountainous, cool, Coastal climate zone. Over the last 15 years Rhys has developed seven estate vineyards, six in the Santa Cruz Mountains and one in Anderson Valley, each of which is capable of producing uniquely compelling, distinctive, soil driven wine.

Their overriding belief that unique vineyard expression is the key to truly great wine leads them to an approach that includes: 1. A relentless, spare-no-expense, focus on producing the best possible fruit in the vineyard; 2. Carefully selected cool weather sites that offer interesting and expressive soil character; 3. Natural winemaking with minimal intervention. These core tenets help produce age-worthy wines that emphasize vineyard expression, balance, fresh fruit, and concentration.

While driving northwest on Hwy 128 through the “Deep End” of Anderson Valley, it is difficult not to be struck by the majesty of Bearwallow Vineyard. As you round the bend, the sight of the steep vineyard-covered hills rising above the redwoods is quite spectacular. After tasting many examples of the elegant, mineral driven Pinot Noir that these “Deep End” hills can produce we were extremely excited to be able to acquire such a prime site in 2008.

Unlike our previous vineyard developments, six acres of eight year old Pinot Noir vines had already been planted but we immediately began the development of an additional 25 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. While waiting for our new acreage to become productive, the existing vines have produced the grapes for our Rhys Bearwallow Pinot Noir bottling. While we can’t wait to see what our new vines will bring, we love the wild berry, spicy, mineral driven Pinot produced by the older vines.

Aging: Aged 17-18 months total with 12 months on the lees in barrel

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Region: Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California