Winemaker Notes
Horseshoe produced another fantastic Pinot Noir in 2009, showcasing the hallmark floral notes, flinty minerality and tensile strength associated with the vineyard. The nose showcases the crushed violets, rose petal, spice and wet stone aromas that are typical of the site, with subtle dark fruits in the background. The palate echoes the nose, with sappy black cherry and blackberry fruit pierced with flinty minerality and lifted floral notes. Horseshoe is a study in contrasts, as it is one of Rhys' most structured pinots, with arguably the most weightless and elegant mouthfeel of the entire lineup. Although the Horseshoe Pinot will drink well with several hours of air, it needs a few years in bottle to really show its character, and it should continue to improve for at least a decade.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard is the most virile wine in this lineup. Black cherries, mint, iron and crushed rocks come together in this dramatic, generous Pinot. The fleshiness of the fruit nearly covers the tannins, but they are lurking beneath the wine’s considerable fleshiness. Menthol, pine and a host of other dark, balsamic notes wrap around the insistent, powerful finish.
-
Wine Spectator
Exhibits enticing hot brick and earthy traits, with a dense core of beefy dried berry, black tea, white pepper and cedar, holding its focus and ending long and persistent. Should reward cellaring.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
A rugged and topographically diverse cool-climate appellation with a rich history, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA stretches from Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, to the northern border of Monterey County. Elevations range from 800 feet to upwards of 3,000 and microclimates vary substantially depending on which side of the mountains the vineyards lie; cool ocean winds and fog play an important role here. This can be a challenging region in which to grow grapes, but it is well worth the effort. Santa Cruz Mountains wines are noted for balanced acidity levels, often showing great aging potential. Wine has been made here since the 1800s, most notably from the legendary Ridge Vineyards, whose Monte Bello vineyard garners international admiration.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the stars of this region, while Merlot and Zinfandel also perform quite well. Organic and sustainable vineyard practices are becoming increasingly common.