2022 Alpine Vineyard Chardonnay

Sinewy and soft, with bright citrus highlights and a seamless texture, the 2022 Chardonnay Alpine Vineyard is a remarkably beautiful and delicious white from this mountainous appellation, sitting 10 miles from the Pacific in shallow, rocky soils that are deeply sloped. It is graceful and elegant in light layers of pear, peach, and apple that serve as counterpoint and complement to its fresh, energetic nature. Hints of spice dance around the mid-palate and take on further steam toward the finish, adding complexity and a savory undercurrent that's truly compelling. The structure of the wine suggests further life in the cellar; enjoy now through 2032. Rhys has two estates in California, one in Anderson Valley called Bearwallow and an estate winery and six estate vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Its Santa Cruz winery, where organic and dry farming are typical, is set across the fault line from Ridge Monte Bello and Mount Eden. The first commercial release was 2004. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and sparkling wines are all made by winemaker Jeff Brinkman and sold direct, with these ocean-influenced wines considered among the finest in the state.