2023 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Bodega Thieriot Vineyard

Made from 100% Calera clone, the 2023 Pinot Noir Bodega Thieriot Vineyard is a youthful ruby red color and has a deeper, more layered feel, with aromas of incense, cardamom, and fresh compact berries. The palate has a good deal of youthful tension and structure, with bright acidity, angular, defined tannins, and a long, mouthwatering finish with notes of ripe salted orange. It’s a lovely wine that’s built to last. Drink 2026-2046. 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.