Thomas Rivers Brown and his wife Genevieve Marie Welsh have quickly made Rivers-Marie one of California’s most sought after Pinot Noir labels. The winery was founded in 2002 and the first release was the Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir. In addition to the line up of Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs, Rivers-Marie also makes a several single vineyard Cabernets and Chardonnay. Thomas is in high demand and serves as a consultant for a number of wineries including Schrader and Outpost.
Occidental Ridge Vineyard is situated on a wind-swept, sun drenched promontory above the little town of Occidental on the Sonoma Coast.
Dark crimson in color. 14% ABV. Sensational nose of red and black fruits, baking spices, cola and forest floor. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Rich and lush with dark, savory fruits. Black cherry, cranberry, plums and minerals on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. This wine perfectly showcases the dark Pinot Noir fruit I associate with this particular vineyard. Aging really well but best over the next several years.
My rating: 94 points.
The 2023 version of this wine was released earlier this week at a price of $70.
I have been on the Rivers-Marie mailing list for well over 15 years. For me the Pinot Noir was always the main attraction here but the Cabernet program is really second to none when you factor in price and quality. Rivers-Marie wines are only available via their mailing list. Sign up for the mailing list if you have not done so already.