Rhys Vineyards Anderson Valley Chardonnay 2019
(Anderson Valley, California) - [VM 92] [JG 92] [JD 91] [WA 91]

About the vineyard:
Located over 100 miles north of San Francisco, the wine producing reputation of this beautiful, remote valley has been steadily climbing for decades. The 16 mile long, transverse valley extends from the southeast to the northwest and becomes increasingly cool as it nears the Pacific Ocean. The geology in the valley is quite diverse but includes a band of rocky southwest facing hillsides that produce intense, mineral driven wines of great elegance. We selected the site for our Bearwallow vineyard in the coolest northwest corner or “Deep End” of the valley where we have planted 31 acres on the rocky slopes.

About the Wine:

• Practicing Biodynamic
• 100% Chardonnay
• Bearwallow Vineyard (Anderson Valley AVA)
• Wente, Hyde and Mt Eden clones
• Elevation 400-700ft
• Aspect: Southeast to Southwest
• Slope: 20%
• Soil: Wolfey-Bearwallow Series - 6”-24” topsoil over deep fractured shale
• Whole-cluster pressed
• Fermented in French oak (20% new) Damy barriques
• 100% indigenous yeast fermentation
• No racking or battonage
• Aged 12 months in barrel and 4-6 months in stainless steel on the lees
• Alc 12.5%

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2019 Chardonnay (Anderson Valley) is another gorgeous wine in this range. Lemon confit, white flowers and marzipan flesh out the mid-palate nicely. Light tropical notes add exotic flair, but without dominating the balance, while bright saline accents perk up the finish."

"As a reminder, the Alesia wines are now the appellation bottlings in the Rhys range." - Antonio Galloni (May 2022)

92 Points - John Gilman:
"The 2019 Anderson Valley bottling of chardonnay from Rhys Vineyards is beautifully floral out of the blocks this year, offering up a bright and very refined bouquet of apple, pear, fresh almond, acacia blossom, a hint of crème patissière, a lovely base of soil tones and a deft framing of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, zesty and focused, with an excellent core of fruit, lovely soil signature and a long, complex and balanced finish. This is a touch riper than the Santa Cruz Mountains bottling of Alesia this year, tipping the scales at an even thirteen percent alcohol and it is already wearing its heart on its sleeve, though it has the structure to also age beautifully. This may well be my favorite vintage yet of the Anderson Valley chardonnay! 2021-2035+" (Jun 2021)

91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Bright white peach, tart pineapple, white flowers, and a kiss of honeyed minerality all emerge from the 2019 Chardonnay Anderson Valley, and this pure, medium-bodied, classy Chardonnay has bright acidity, medium body, plenty of mid-palate richness and depth, and the class to keep for 4-6 years." (Jul 2021)

91 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2019 Chardonnay Anderson Valley leads with an animated nose of citrus curd, pineapple rind and struck flint. Medium-bodied on the palate with more rounded edges than the Santa Cruz Mountains bottling, this is nevertheless a lovely, accessible showing from this impressive winemaking team." - Matthew Luczy (Apr 2024)