Rhys Vineyards, a name normally only seen only by the few people on their precious mailing list (and on its five-year waitlist) and in a smattering of top restaurants also makes a tiny amount of wine blended from the single vineyards and other sources with which they work. It’s a great way to explore the incredible wines of Rhys at a far more affordable price. Farmed organically and, in some cases, even biodynamically and sensitively made, in short, a Rhys wine is always elegant, understated and polished; all with a very precise focus and energy that highlights each of their distinctive and spectacular terroirs. Rhys wines tend to cellar extremely well too…in fact, you would better off waiting a few years- especially for the Pinots- rather than drinking them down immediately. The winery itself likes to hold its wines back until they reach what they believe is ultimate drinkability. That’s why we’re offering their 2018 while most other producers are rolling out their 2022s! As amazing as Rhys’ single vineyard wines are, they now cost in the three-digits, while we’re able to lay in this ‘village’ level wine at much, much less. We loved the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. What’s now the Anderson Valley label, you see, comes almost entirely from the single-vineyard Bearwallow Vineyard, one of Rhys’ top sources in Mendocino County. The single-vineyard bottling sells for $110! Right now, though, you will find a lot more to love in the the AV’s lifted dark cherry- pomegranate aromatics and broad hints of mulchy earth, blood orange, bergamot and violets. There’s a lovely texture and a structure easily achieved here without excessive alcohol (13.8%) or wood. This an absolutely classic rendition of AV Pinot made in an easy-to-drink, easy-to-love format without the weight or sometimes overly obvious flavors one sometimes tastes from, say, warmer spots in the Russian River. Or, put another way, we think Burgundy lovers will love this as much as lovers of California Pinot Noir, and we know your lamb chops will! Drink now and keep back a few to watch it develop over the next five years or so. Classy juice and a fine value.