From: Anderson Valley, California
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste & Critical Acclaim:
The 2017 Alesia Pinot Noir Anderson Valley is pale to medium ruby-purple with a pretty nose of autumn leaves, bark and cinnamon stick with black cherries, blackberries, raspberry preserves and woodsmoke. The palate is light to medium-bodied, delicate and earthy with juicy acidity and a soft frame, fleshing out to sweet berry flavors on the long finish. Rated 91 by Wine Advocate
Mulled cherries, blackberries, crushed flowers, and sappy underbrush notes all emerge from the 2017 Pinot Noir Anderson Valley Alesia, a medium-bodied, rounded, nicely balanced Pinot Noir that has loads of character. It should drink nicely for 4-6 years, although bottles wouldn't last that long at my house. Rated 91 by Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Pinot Noir (Anderson Valley) is a very pretty, appellation-level wine from Alesia. Then again, all of the fruit is from Rhys's Bearwallow Vineyard. Bright, floral and light on its feet, with lovely red berry character, the 2017 is a terrific introduction to these wines. Pine, mint, sweet tobacco, crushed red berry notes are beautifully woven together. The Anderson Valley Pinot is the hidden gem in this range from Alesia and Rhys. I would be thrilled to own it. Rated 91 by Vinous Media
Pairing: Its juicy acidity and soft frame complement the richness of roasted duck, the grilled flavors of salmon, and the umami of mushroom risotto. Herb-crusted pork tenderloin harmonizes with the wine's herbal notes, while a beet salad with goat cheese offers a tangy contrast to its berry and earthy profile. A charcuterie board with cured meats and cheeses enhances the wine's complexity, making for a delightful culinary experience.
Saffron Salmon Kababs
By Naz Deravian
About: Founded in 2004 by Kevin Harvey, Rhys Vineyards represents the culmination of a passionate journey from wine collector to esteemed vintner. Harvey, an aficionado of Burgundy's renowned vineyards, forged close relationships with families behind the top domaines of the Côte d’Or. These connections granted him unparalleled insight into the region’s terroir, encompassing soil depth, structure, chemistry, hydrology, and climate.
Determined to find comparable sites in California, Harvey's meticulous research led him to his backyard—the rugged, rocky terroir of the Santa Cruz Mountains. In the late 1990s, Harvey persuaded his wife to let him plant a quarter-acre of Pinot Noir vines behind their house, now known as the 'Home Vineyard.' This small plot produced enough grapes for just one barrel of wine, marking the humble beginnings of Rhys Vineyards.
