The 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard marries the forward fruit that is so typical of this site with the brisk acids and freshness that are such signatures of this great Pinot vintage. Sweet floral and spice notes lead into a core of red berry fruit as this polished, classically built Pinot reveals its considerable charms. The 2018 has plenty to offer. I wouldn't be in a rush to open it, but for readers who can't resist, it is the most approachable of these wines.

Always one of the lighter colored wines in the lineup, the 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard comes from an estate vineyard in the Anderson Valley. Classic notes of dried cherries, cranberries, loamy earth, and savory herbs all give way to a bright, medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir that has a solid sense of minerality, present tannins, and a good finish. I never find the same level of class or elegance from this cuvée compared to the Santa Cruz Mountain releases, yet it's a character-filled, satisfying Pinot Noir to enjoy over the coming decade.

The 2018 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is progressing nicely past its initial phase, with potpourri, cocoa powder, dried clove and strawberry leaf aromas. The palate is silky and elegant with slightly softened acidity and tannins that, while still very much present, show early signs of integration. Considering the immense structure and slow-moving nature of the Santa Cruz Mountains wines, this is relatively wide open should readers wish to dip a toe into this fantastic vintage from Rhys.