Region: Sonoma Coast, California

Vintage: 2023

Composition: 100% Pinot Noir

History: Rivers-Marie itself was launched in 2002 when Thomas River Brown made a tiny amount of wine from the legendary Summa Vineyard in the Sonoma Coast. Today, Rivers-Marie has grown to include not only a blended Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, but also several single vineyard sites from in and around Occidental including Occidental Ridge, Willow Creek, Silver Eagle, and two seperate bottlings from the Summa vineyard which Thomas and Genevive purchased in 2010. In addition to Pinot, Thomas makes small amounts of Cabernet and Chardonnay as well.

Tasting Notes: 

The 2023 Pinot Noir Joy Road Vineyard takes things up a notch in its spice profile. It pours a jeweled ruby color and is fresh with notes of toasted incense and fresh raspberries. It’s medium-bodied, with an elegant, pure feel, a lot of clarity, refreshing acidity, and a clean, stony finish. It’s a lovely wine now but should also hold up another 15 years.