2011 Rhys Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard - USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley (5/17/2014)
First glass of wine in several days, so my palate was very fresh. From the first taste the '11 Bearwallow was more structured, more complete than any prior vintage from this vineyard. While keeping both feet firmly planted in California, with rich blackberry fruit, the wine showed significantly more tannic and acidic structure than most California Pinot. I was frequently thinking of a fine Beaune 1er Cru as I drank this, as the structural elements hinted at something more rustic and less sun drenched. Following the wine over 90 minutes or so there was little change in the structure, but significant evolution of the aromatics, with floral and spice elements added to the fruit.
I am looking forward to following this bottling over the next decade or more. There is great promise here for additional complexity, and increasing drinkability as the structure softens with cellar time.
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