Practicing Biodynamic • 100% Chardonnay • Bearwallow Vineyard (Anderson Valley AVA) • Elevation is 300′-600′ and the clones are Hyde, Old Wente and Dijon • The soil is Bearwallow-Wolfey topsoils that range from 10″-25″. Below that is Franciscan Complex, fractured shale, quartz an sandstone • Hand-harvested • Native yeast fermentation • Whole cluster pressed into barrel for fermentation • Aged 12 months in 15% new French oak and then 6 months in stainless steel • 12.5% ABV
Info
Producer:
Appellation:
Anderson Valley
Variety:
Chardonnay
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Practicing Biodynamic
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | US-RHY-30-21 | 12/750ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
94
Date
2024-06-28
"A pale silver/straw color, the 2021 Chardonnay Bearwallow Vineyard suggests how things can move to the next level with the single vineyard wines, offering expressive aromas of grapefruit zest, the high-toned energy of green apple, citrus blossoms, and white pepper spices, Expressing the elegance of this vineyard, it's medium-bodied and graceful on the palate, with a long, elegant, mouthwatering finish. It's a linear, very pretty wine to drink."
Vinous
Score
94
Date
2023-09-01
"The 2021 Chardonnay Bearwallow Vineyard is bright, focused and intensely saline. Readers will want to cellar the 2021 for at least a few years, as it is a very serious white. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper, slate and chalk all lend brilliance to this deceptively mid-weight, focused Chardonnay. The 2021 really sizzles."
Wine Advocate
Score
94
Date
2024-04-18
"Showcasing another dimension of robustness than the Anderson Valley bottling, the 2021 Chardonnay Bearwallow Vineyard is opulent on the nose with orchard blossom, saffron, anise, white peach and star fruit aromas. The palate springs into treble-driven overtones of citrus zest and bright salinity, finishing with impressive length and delineation. While this is on the colorful, crunchy side of accessible now, it has clear potential for the cellar."
Wine Enthusiast
Score
90
Date
2023-12-01
"This light-intensity and light-bodied Chardonnay offers delicate notes of lemon, lime, green apple, cherry and jasmine blossom. Elevated acidity keeps the palate crisp and fresh throughout the length of the tasting. The finish is clean. Enjoy the wine on its own or with lightly seasoned shellfish."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2018
Vinous
Score
94
Date
2020-01-01
"The 2018 Chardonnay Bearwallow Vineyard is endowed with tremendous poise and balance. Light tropical notes, marzipan and lemon oil open up first in a Chardonnay loaded with character. Bright acids play off a creamy expression of fruit. Rich and textured yet also light on its feet, the Bearwallow Chardonnay has a ton to offer. It is another brilliant wine in this lineup from Rhys."
2018
Wine Advocate
Score
93+
Date
2024-04-18
"The 2018 Chardonnay Bearwallow Vineyard combines crystalline orchard fruit and flower aromas with deft touches of creamy concentration that add dimension and depth. The palate is full-bodied and glossy without losing delineation, and the acid structure lends refreshing length to the nuanced, balanced finish. Lovely and approachable throughout, this is a Chardonnay to enjoy while the Alpine and Horseshoe bottlings come into themselves."
2018
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
92+
Date
2020-09-09
"Coming from a site in the Anderson Valley, the 2018 Chardonnay Bearwallow Vineyard shows its normal Burgundian style and has a gorgeous perfume of crushed citrus, lemon curd, white flowers, and salty minerality. Complex and nuanced aromatically, it hits the palate with a racy, steely texture that carries good concentration and mid-palate density, bright acidity, and a saliva-inducing finish. As with the 2017, it needs a solid 3-4 years of bottle age and should drink nicely over the following decade or more."
2016
Wine Advocate
Score
94
Date
2018-05-31
2016
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
93
Date
2019-02-14
2016
Vinous
Score
93
Date
2018-06-01
Jeb Dunnuck
Score
94
Date
2019-10-31
Wine Advocate
Score
94
Date
2018-05-31
Vinous
Score
93
Date
2019-06-01
Wine Advocate
Score
93
Date
2020-02-06