2021 Rivers Marie - Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Occidental Ridge (750ml)

Rivers-Marie was founded in 2002 by Thomas Rivers Brown and his wife, Genevieve Marie Welsh, and has since become one of California's most sought-after Pinot Noir labels. Brown, a consulting winemaker also behind cult names like Schrader and Outpost, built the project around a handful of small, coastal vineyard sources in the Occidental-Freestone corner of the Sonoma Coast. Wines are released almost entirely through the winery's mailing list.

Occidental Ridge is a nine-acre vineyard owned by Richard and Darla Radcliffe, planted entirely to the Calera clone in the Sonoma Coast's Occidental-Freestone corner, near storied neighbors like Platt Vineyard. Grapes ripen slowly under cool, foggy conditions, developing concentration without losing acidity. After careful hand sorting, the wine ferments in small lots and ages in French oak to let the site's character come through.

The 2021 shows a savory, brambly character, with wild herbs, ripe cherry, and orange zest layered over black raspberry. Medium to full-bodied, it carries fine tannins and bright acidity that keep the finish long and focused. Drinking well now, it also has the structure to reward a few years in the cellar. Pair it with seared duck breast, wild salmon, or herb-crusted pork loin.