Region: Napa Valley, California

Vintage: 2021

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

History: Rivers-Marie was launched in 2002 when Thomas River Brown made a tiny amount of wine from the legendary Summa Vineyard on 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 separate bottlings from the Summa vineyard, which Thomas and Genevive purchased in 2010. In addition to Pinot, Thomas makes small amounts of Cabernet and Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes:

Black fruits dominate the aromatics and the palate. A blue fruited acidity punches in late, showcasing the coolness. Savory elements weave through the whole experience, creating a classic Napa mouthfeel, something more akin to the wines from the early 90s than the early 00s. Tannins here are medium/medium plus, which makes this very drinkable upon release.