Light gold color, looks 3 years old, not 8. The aromas are broad and wonderful, mineral, citric, coniferous, floral, about in that order but all so prominent that it’s hard to put one first and so harmonious that they are seamless.
The palate is less broad, but needle-bright, sharp with integrated fresh acidity, the same flavors, the conifer and flowers to the forefront, the citrus flavors in the background despite the brilliant acidity. Breadth as well as depth show in the mid-palate, the balance is incredible. The finish is long, but will probably get longer as this is still young and barely past primary.
I think that every time I’ve had this when I’ve taken time to write a note, I’ve rated it higher than the last time. Also, every time I’ve rated it, I’ve given it room for improvement. How true today! Rated 96, at least two points of improvement very likely. Of course with no track record it’s impossible to predict where it will go, but I believe perfection is possible in another five years.
I tasted it back early 2018 and thought excellent. My comment was to let my magnum go for five years before opening. It wasn’t that I thought it wasn’t ready, but that it could further improve.
Thanks for the note Dan. I love the 2012 Horseshoe Chard, it is my favorite Chard that Rhys has ever made…luckily I have 3 bottles left in my cellar. After reading your note, I think I will let my remaining bottles sit for a bit.
This wine is killer. I last had it in April and scored it 96 points. I have 3 bottles left in storage and will not open another bottle for a few more years.
This is the wine that prevented me from completely abandoning Rhys Chardonnays. We had our last bottle of the '10 a couple nights ago ---- very good, but not even close to the same level as the '12. Thanks for the note, Dan!
I bought all of mine in 375ml and am regretting it. To have a magnum or a 3L!?! Of course I use large formats mostly for treats at my national sales meetings, of which I do not expect one this year and maybe not next year. But still, I would love to have and hold even 750ml bottles. I would hold a mag at least another five years and find a very, very special occasion to open it.
I only had the 2010 once, from memory I agree that the 2012 is better, but don’t remember a night-and-day difference. This is consistently great wine.
to Adam Frisch, you wrote:
“Is it oaky and buttery?”
I’m a little bewildered by your question.
In rereading my note, I do not see that I mentioned either oak or butter.
Please rest assured, Mr. Frisch, that if I find oak or butter aromas or flavors in a wine, I make mention of the fact, as is only logical for a board member, especially one who is in the business.
2012 Rhys Chardonnay Horseshoe Vineyard- USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Santa Cruz Mountains (4/11/2021)
– popped and poured –
– tasted non-blind over 2 to 3 hours –
NOSE: rich and buttery with a background herbal element.
BODY: medium golden yellow color; medium bodied.
TASTE: rich, but not heavy; medium-strong fruit flavor with pleasant supporting saline note; high acidity; popcorn; white grapefruit; rich and salty/umami; 13.1% alc. not noticeable. I grabbed this bottle, in part, because it had a slightly pushed cork. The cork was pretty spongy upon removal. My fears of an advanced wine were quickly dashed: this was utterly stunning, and may be the best Rhys Chardonnay I’ve had (pretty sure I felt the same way when I opened my first bottle back in 2015). No need to drink now, but I highly recommend it, anyways, especially for folks with more than one bottle.
Great note Brian. I had one back in December just like this. And as Dan noted earlier, every time I pop one of these it’s better than the previous. And the previous was pretty damn good.
Glad to see it’s holding its own! 96 seems to be a popular score. I’m into hoarding my remaining 375s.
to Brian: I’ve never noticed anything buttery about this wine, but will look for it when I open my next one (not anytime soon).
Jud, it looks like we might be able to plan a Boston area OL before 2025!?!!! Let’s maybe look at October or November? I still have older and younger Rhys than 2012 Horseshoe, both red and white. Please let me know what you think.