Rhys Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay 2022 CS20230516 and Souzao—aged in large barrels

and Souzao—aged in large barrels before bottling

and aging in Minnesota oak barrels

this Alban-clone Syrah from Santa Lucia Highlands has matured into something extraordinary

medium-bodied wine with fresh acidity

and the family treats their sparkling wines with the same seriousness as their still ones

Rhys Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay 2022 CS20230516 and Souzao—aged in large barrelsHigh on the Alpine Vineyard's exposed western slope, where chalky Purisima soils meet Pacific cooling, Chardonnay achieves rare elegance. Rhys' natural whole cluster pressing and year long fermentation without racking create a wine floral and aromatic yet grounded by crisp, concentrated fruitlime zest, kiwi, mineral, Anjou pearheld firmly by vivid acidity. Chardonnay that invites contemplation.