2021 Rivers Marie - Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga (750ml)

Thomas Rivers Brown arrived in California in the late 1990s with a wine habit developed at the University of Virginia, taking a job at a Calistoga wine shop before landing an assistant winemaking position at Turley Cellars under Ehren Jordan. That start launched him into one of Napa's most in-demand consulting careers, working with acclaimed names across the valley. In 2002 he and his partner, Genevieve Marie Welsh, founded Rivers-Marie, combining their middle names for the label and building a portfolio of site-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from top vineyards in Napa and Sonoma.

This bottling draws primarily from the northern reaches of Napa Valley, with the bulk of the fruit coming from the Larkmead vineyard, known for its loamy soils that lend a distinctive earthiness to the wine. Brown favors a restrained, patient approach in the cellar, preferring to let each site express itself rather than imposing a heavy winemaking hand. The 2021 growing season brought a naturally balanced, moderate vintage that preserved freshness in the finished wine.

The wine opens with savory red and black fruit alongside classic notes of walnut shell, crushed stone, and dried herbs typical of the appellation. Medium to full-bodied, it shows ripe, well-integrated tannins and bright acidity that carry through to a long, balanced finish. Its structure and savory character pair naturally with grilled leg of lamb, roasted duck, or a rich beef stew.