Thomas Rivers Brown and his wife Genevieve Marie Walsh 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 few 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.
Light red in color. 12.8% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, baking spices, orange rind and forest floor. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Light, lithe and earthy. Strawberry, citrus, rhubarb and earth on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Not the best vintage for Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir but TRB crafted a wine that is exceptional. Best over the next 1-2 years.
My rating: 93 points.
Rivers-Marie wines are only available via their mailing list. Sign up for the mailing list if you have not done so already. The 2019 Pinot Noir release will be early next year.
I’ve blogged about Rivers-Marie previously in the 2018 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and Updates from Rivers-Marie.