A stunning Chardonnay that transports you to Burgundy
Rhys Vineyard
From Rhys Vineyards comes this “Burgundy imposter” (in a good way!) with subtle lemony notes, silky texture and a real purity of fruit. Made of 100% Chardonnay from grapes in the Santa Cruz Mountains’ Horseshoe Vineyard, this is seductive on the nose and palate—the precursor to a thoroughly enjoyable medium-bodied+ wine. The savory herbal nose has a flinty character and a slightly lactic aroma, and the wine opens up on the palate as rich, round with warm, beautiful, fully formed flavors. But, in a perfect balancing act, it is also light on its feet in all the right ways with a manageable 13.3% abv. Really superb!
Rhys Vineyards optimizes the Santa Cruz Mountains’ cool, coastal climate for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and Syrah. The Horseshoe Vineyard lies between 1360 – 1610 feet in elevation and on the Monterey Formation, a ridge of sedimentary shale recognized by the U.S.G.S. as a “major element in the geology of California.” This parcel contains a mix of limestone, which—if you believe soil affects wine (I do!)—plays into the richness of this Chard. Owner Kevin Harvey founded the winery in 2004, inspired by his passion for Burgundian Wines. That shows up here in spades.
This New World wine with Old World Vibes has a SRP ~$125
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lanabortolot/2025/11/30/wine-of-the-month-a-chardonnay-from-santa-cruz-mountains-with-burgundy-vibes/
