Rhys Vineyards Perpetual Réserve California NV

“Primarily from Anderson Valley, with two years on the lees and a very low dosage, half of this wine is from 2022, and the other half is a reserve wine dating back to 2016, resulting in a great blend of freshness and complexity. 75 Chardonnay and 25 Pinot Noir. Texture and mousse are the focus of these bubbles, says winemaker Jeff Brinkman. Pierre Peters Cuvee Reserve is the inspiration for this wine; Rodolph is the consultant on these wines a few times a year. There’s a serious complexity and depth to this wine, with great creaminess. The nose offers toasted shortbread notes, accompanied by scents of roast almond and hazelnuts, and a notable depth of preserved lemon. There’s tremendous vivacity in the mouth, lively citrus cream, savoury herbs and mouthfuls of white flowers. Delicious.”

“This wine is notably more intriguing than its legal designation, as it isn’t quite a “Non-Vintage” wine so much as a multi-vintage one comprised of reserve lots from each vintage from 2016 to 2021. The result is a sparkler with deep, mellowed layers as well as bright and fresh ones providing a harmonious mix of “bass” and “treble.” Not overly yeasty, this showcases gorgeous fruit lifted by energetic but creamy effervescence.”

“Having spent two years on the lees, the NV Sparkling Wine Perpetual Reserve is made from 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir, with the bulk of the fruit coming from Anderson Valley and the producer's estate Bearwallow Vineyard, the rest from Corralitos. At 3 grams per liter dosage, most of its base comes from the 2021 vintage, and it shows that aged complexity while maintaining the freshness of the current vintage. The texture and finesse of the bubbles are important to winemaker Jeff Brinkman, and this sparkling wine excels at both. Enjoy now and for another decade.”

“Super youthful, with aromas of crisp red apple, Asian pear, jasmine, and notes of yeasty brioche on the nose. The mousse is firm yet creamy, with flavors of Orange sherbert, baked plum, pop rock candies, baking spices, and a dry mineral finish. It is blended with fruit from 2016- 2021 vintages.”

“The NV Perpetual Reserve (base 2022) is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, 60% from vintage 2022 and 40% from a perpetual reserve going back to 2016. It opens with rich aromas of toasty brioche, golden apple and baking spices, amplified by the character of the very warm growing season. The build is deceptively light, lilting delicately across the palate before gentle coaxing begins to ramp up the intensity and fill in the gaps. A bright, lifted finish wraps things up in style. Dosage is 4 grams per liter. Disgorged: April 2025.”

“Made of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir with a 4.7 grams per liter dosage, the NV Perpetual Reserve Sparkling (2022 Base) opens with an elegant aroma of green orchard fruits, pomegranates, dried jasmine and pastry dough. On the palate, it features a contained richness from the 50% reserve wine that forms its core, combined with a crisp, lively energy before finishing on a tangy, saline-driven note.”