2021 Rivers Marie - Chardonnay Sonoma Coast Bearwallow Vineyard
From Bearwallow Vineyard in Anderson Valley, the 2021 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay delivers a cool-climate voice calibrated to its site. Bearwallow has been part of the Rivers-Marie program since 2016, drawn from a small block planted with Wente clone Chardonnay. The fruit is fermented and aged without any new oak, allowing the vineyard’s saline, mineral-driven character to come through clearly rather than being masked by barrel influence.
Tasting notes
The 2021 shows a golden hue in the glass, with a lifted, smoky perfume of wild herbs, resinous earth, lime candy, and yellow apple. On the palate it carries roasted nut and saline notes alongside bright acidity and real textural depth.
Vineyard & winemaking details
- Bearwallow Vineyard has been part of the Rivers-Marie program since 2016.
- Planted with a small block of Wente clone Chardonnay in Anderson Valley, just north of the cooler Sonoma Coast sites that make up the bulk of the winery's portfolio.
- Fermented and aged without any new oak to preserve the saline, mineral-driven character of the fruit.
Food pairings
It pairs nicely with roast chicken, seafood pasta in a creamy garlic sauce, or a fresh herbed goat cheese.