Rhys Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains Alesia 2019

93+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "Similarly, the 2019 Santa Cruz Mountains pinot noir from Alesia has set the bar higher for subsequent vintages of this label than has ever been set before. The wine comes in at 13.2 percent octane and offers up a cool, soil-driven and very classy bouquet of sweet dark berries, cassis, raw cocoa, a beautiful array of spice tones (that hint at fresh nutmeg, cardamom and allspice), a marvelous base of stony soil, woodsmoke and a touch of cedar. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, focused and complex, with a very elegant profile, a lovely core of black fruit, excellent transparency and grip, fine-grained tannins and a long, poised and beautifully balanced finish. This is great juice! 2028-2060. (May/Jun 2021)"

93 points Matthew Luczy (Wine Advocate): "The 2019 Alesia Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains is a beaming, focused demonstration of Rhys's winemaking style. Aromas of Bing cherry, petrichor and rose petals eagerly waft from the glass. The palate is textural and focused, with an intense, high-toned structure and a long, layered finish. While this is a sturdier showing from Alesia, it nevertheless provides a wonderful platform on which to glimpse the Rhys style without the cellaring necessary for the single-vineyard releases. Drink: 2023-2030. (Apr 2024)"

92 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2019 Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains Alesia, which comes all from the Santa Cruz Mountains, is well worth checking out for readers looking to understand the style of this estate. Spiced red and black fruits, savory herbs, and loamy earth are just some of the nuances in this charming, medium-bodied, balanced Pinot Noir. The tannins aren't quite as polished or integrated as in the single vineyard, but it's beautifully balanced and certainly has classic Rhys character. It should drink well for 5-6 years or more. Drink: 2021-2027. (Jul 2021)"

90 points Decanter: "Graceful and inviting aromas of forest fruits, cola and juicy cherry on the nose with dark chocolate, sweet spices. Silky and delicious with wonderful savoury complexity on the finish. Drinking Window: 2023-2028. (Sep 2023)"