2021 Carricante

Vinous

“Centennial Mountain is a new range from Rhys that takes the place of Aeris. In short, all the Aeris wines have now been folded into Centennial Mountain, while the Italian Aeris wines have been discontinued. In my view, that greater focus is going to be a positive. The 2021s are seriously impressive across the board.”

2021 Centennial Mountain Carricante

“The 2021 Carricante is a beguiling white. Gentle in its contours, it is alluring right out of the gate. Lemon confit, white flowers, ginger and spice all grace this gentle, inviting white. The 2021 is an especially open-knit Carricante. Warm, dry weather softened the edges, adding to a palpable sense of immediacy.” 91 Points: Outstanding. A wine of remarkable personality and breed that is well worth seeking out.”

-Antonio Galloni, January 2025

The New York Times

“Kevin Harvey of Rhys Vineyards in California was so impressed with carricante and other Sicilian varieties that he planted a vineyard in northern Sonoma County. His Centennial Mountain carricante is excellent.”

-Eric Asimov, April 2025

Forbes.com

“Toast To Spring With These 10 Wines”

“For something truly unique coming out of Sonoma, this Carricante from Centennial Mountain (previously known as Aeris) is bursting with bright citrus and intense minerality that’s complemented by fresh sage and mint. The bottle exists as part of the winemaking teams’ dedication to Mt. Etna style varieties; Carricante is an indigenous grape to Sicily, and its planting in Sonoma is the first outside of Italy’s volcanic island.”

-Jillian Dara, March 2025

Vinography

“This week included the new incarnation of one of California’s most ambitious vineyard projects. Formerly called Aeris, this project from the folks at Rhys Vineyards has now reverted to the name of the site: Centennial Mountain Vineyard. Planted in the volcanic soils high above Lake Sonoma, this site holds California’s first plantings of Carricante, as well as Nerello Mascalese and Nebbiolo. I tasted all three this week, and my favorite was the Carricante.”

2021 Centennial Mountain Carricante

“Palest gold in the glass, this wine smells of lemon pith, white flowers, and sea air. In the mouth, wonderfully zingy and salty flavors of candied lemon peel, white flowers, and grapefruit have an electric crackle thanks to fantastic acidity. Tangy, mouthwatering, and oh-so tasty.” 9 Points out of 10

-Alder Yarrow, April 2025

South Florida Reporter

“Wine Picks”

“We can’t adequately express our appreciation for this wonderfully unique wine from the same talented team that brings us Rhys Vineyards pinot noirs. Dedicated to growing Italian varietals in California, it found a site atop an unplanted ridgeline 2,000-feet high on Centennial Mountain in northern Sonoma County. This is one of several new releases from the producer we are truly excited about. It has a flowerly aroma with citrus notes and a touch of vanilla. Bright and breezy citrus, peach and honey flavors with a dash of mineral.”

-Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr, April 2025

Piedmont Post

“After several years of making highly regarded Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Kevin was inspired to take on a second project – bringing Italian varietals to Northern California with the same attention to terroir. He chose Nebbiolo, the red grape best known for Barolo and Barbaresco, and two lesser known varietals from the slopes of Sicily’s Mount Etna – Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.

He found the optimal growing conditions for these varietals at Centennial Mountain. With vineyards at 2000’ elevation in the mountains of northern Sonoma County and 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Rhys’s sister winery is now blazing a trail for these Italian varietals.”

2021 Centennial Mountain Carricante

This little-known grape is beautifully expressed. The wine opens with distinct lemon and spearmint notes. It is clean and crisp, with delicious tart fruit. Share it some evening with guests who enjoy being surprised by a wine they’ve probably never had. Pair it with fresh seafood or enjoy it on a hot summer day on the deck.”

-Pierre DuMont and Frederic Vignobles, April 2025

Mercury News and East Bay Daily Times

“Aromatically, the 2021 Centennial Mountain Carricante is instantly captivating. Salty and tangy on the palate, it’s meant to complement seafood with lots of lemon and capers.”

-Laura Ness, May 2025

Keith Beavers on Instagram

2021 Centennial Mountain Carricante

“These Sicilian varieties are now part of California wine history thanks to Rhys Vineyards and they are delicious.”

-Keith Beavers, of VinePair, February 2025