2010 Rivers-Marie Occidental Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 1x750ml

Vinous 92

(12.8% alcohol): Good full red. Crushed cherry, raspberry and a pungent mint oil quality on the nose (Brown described it as pennyroyal). Then supple, juicy and delicate on the palate, with a light touch to the perfumed flavors of red fruits, blood orange and spices. There’s an almost citrussy element here that’s very refreshing. Finishes savory and long, with salty minerality. This wine normally shows darker fruit flavors but I find this vintage fascinating. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2013]

Robert Parker 92

The 2010 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard is laced with freshly cut flowers, mint, roses and sweet red berries, all of which are woven together in a fabric of unusual class. Sweet floral notes lead to a long, sensual finish underpinned by lively acidity. This feminine, totally sensual Pinot possesses striking overall balance and tons of finesse. The Occidental has the highest acidity of the 2010 Pinots, which should help it age gracefully over the coming years. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. This is a beautiful set of Pinot Noirs from proprietors Thomas Rivers Brown and Genevieve Marie Welsh. Brown notes that the 2010 vintage was not looking so great at a number of these sites because of the cold summer. The late September heat wave gave the vines the last kick they needed to fully ripen. Brown gave the 2010 Pinots 10 months in French oak barrels ranging from 25-80% new. As good as the vineyard designates are, the real star here is the Sonoma Coast bottling, which is one of the most fairly priced Pinot Noirs from anywhere in the world. Tel. (707) 341-3127 [29/02/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020