Santa Cruz Mountains "Horseshoe Vineyard" Pinot Noir 2012, Rhys Vineyards

The Santa Cruz Mountains have boomed in recent years as the wealth of the Bay Area and the thirst of financiers and entrepreneurs to own vineyards has spilled over the mountains south of San Francisco. This pinot from Rhys Vineyards is a dark red colour with an opaque centre and a brick rim. Aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, blueberry. A touch of vanilla, a hint of prunes, very ripe oranges, passion fruit, subtle toast notes. An enjoyable bouquet. Rich and plummy on the palate. This pinot has a medium-to-low acidity, lashings of blueberry and cherry fruit, smooth velvety texture, fruit sweetness, very consistent and harmonious. Significantly better than the standard pinot from this domaine and scores 78/100.