Rhys 'Alesia' Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains 2018

Rhys Vineyards aspires to make great Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah from some of California’s most unique and expressive vineyards. This pursuit has led them to search the state for exciting rocky soils that exist within the mountainous, cool, coastal climate zone. Over the last 15 years, Rhys has developed seven estate vineyards, six in the Santa Cruz Mountains and one in Anderson Valley, each of which is capable of producing uniquely compelling, distinctive, soil driven wine.

The estate grown appellation wines are bottled with the “Alesia” designation. These wines showcase a line of estate grown, mountain vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines that offer incredible value and allow us to make an even stricter selection for our Rhys vineyard designated wines. The wine bottled under Alesia is selected to be delicious and earlier drinking but still offer the complex character and balance that our customers have come to expect.

The winemakers at Rhys Vineyards believe that real wine quality is produced in the vineyard, not the winery. Driven by that belief, each of their vineyards is managed with a “spare no expense” viticultural approach that is based on organic and biodynamic farming methods. The goal is to naturally balance the vines while cultivating a vibrant and biologically diverse ecosystem in and around each vineyard. This philosophy of minimal intervention is mirrored in their winemaking.

"Proprietor Kevin Harvey has structured his offerings so that Rhys's sister label Alesia is now the home of a range of terrific appellation wines, all made from estate fruit, while Rhys focuses on single-vineyard bottlings. These Pinots and Chardonnays are hugely delicious and distinctive." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

"Even better, the 2018 Chardonnay Santa Cruz Mountains Alesia offers a similar vivid color as well as classy citrus and orchard fruits, honeyed minerality, white flowers, and toasted bread. This medium-bodied, elegant, beautifully balanced Chardonnay has nicely integrated acidity, a great mid-palate, and a crisp, layered finish. I don't expect it to have the same longevity as the top Rhys Chardonnay, but wow, what a classy, elegant Chardonnay to enjoy over the coming 3-5 years" - 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2018 Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains) from Alesia is a dazzling wine that captures all of the energy and vibrancy of the appellation. Citrus, crushed rocks and white flowers all grace the 2018, a Chardonnay that sizzles with energy and tension. This is a terrific showing." - 92 points, Antonio Galloni Vinous

Producer: Rhys Alesia 

Country: USA

Region: California

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Santa Cruz Mountains

Vintage: 2018

Size: 750ml