2023 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard

The 2023 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard opens to notes of dark stones, grenadine, and a bit of graphite lift. (This and the Silver Eagle include just a touch of 10% whole cluster.) The palate is refreshing and clean, with even acidity, finely coiled, elegant tannins, and a long, stony texture on the finish. Drink 2026-2040. Owned by Thomas Rivers Brown and Genevieve Marie Welsh and based in Calistoga, Rivers Marie specializes in single varietal, single vineyard expressions of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. One of Sonoma's most prolific winemakers and consultants, Thomas Rivers Brown grew up in South Carolina and later went on to work at Turley before carving his own path forward. I met with Thomas and Will Segui, the assistant winemaker, at the Calistoga winery this spring to taste the wines for this report.