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.
Panek Vineyard is a 22-acre family-owned estate located in the heart of the St. Helena AVA in Napa Valley. The vineyard was established by Jim and Cyndi Panek in 2000.
Purple in color. 14.4% ABV. Sublime nose of black and blue fruits, Whitman Sampler box, graphite and flowers. Full bodied with perfect acidity and balance. Concentration and structure in spades. Black cherry, cassis liqueur, blueberry and cocoa on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with polished tannins. Delicious Cabernet from a mediocre vintage. Best over the next 3-4 years.
My rating: 93 points.
The 2024 version will be late this year to members of the mailing list.
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 and Chardonnay programs are 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.