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 Vintage2007 Label 1 of 85 
(NOTE: Label borrowed from 2006 vintage.)
TypeRed
ProducerRivers-Marie (web)
VarietyPinot Noir
Designationn/a
VineyardSumma Vineyard
CountryUSA
RegionCalifornia
SubRegionSonoma County
AppellationSonoma Coast

Drinking Windows and Values
Drinking window: Drink between 2011 and 2018 (based on 13 user opinions)
Wine Market Journal quarterly auction price: See Rivers Marie Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard on the Wine Market Journal.

Community Tasting History

Community Tasting Notes (average 91.9 pts. and median of 92 pts. in 78 notes) - hiding notes with no text

 Tasted by gzim on 3/7/2022 & rated 94 points: This bottle is in a very good place. Dark Red berries and some cake spice on the nose - very easy to drink. A slight haze to the dark red look. Lots of fruit and spice with a little lift on the finish. A lot going on and a long elegant finish. Maybe fully mature?
A Pleasure to drink (945 views)
 Tasted by magyarsvensk on 2/18/2021 & rated 92 points: Forest floor, strawberry patch, a hint of creaminess, berry compote and saline. Lots of tension, a bit high toned, but smooth and delicious. This wine seems mature. (1386 views)
 Tasted by ssouth on 12/1/2020 & rated 93 points: Variation on Beef Stroganoff. Incorporating top sirloin, fresh chanterelles with shallots, sour cream, tarragon, Dijon mustard, white wine and a splash of Armagnac
Excellent on a cool NC evening

Wine : 2007 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard, Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. alc 14.1%
Still bright and fresh with high toned red fruits. Turns smooth on the finish. Great with the cream and mushrooms

Stored since release (1497 views)
 Tasted by DougLee on 8/2/2020 & rated 92 points: Ruby color. Nose of black cherry, raspberry, cinnamon, violets, damp cellar. Incisive, muscular layers of black cherry, deeply-pitched raspberry, cranberry, iodine, and brambles on the palate. Copious acidity and still-firm tannin almost covered by fruit. Long, ringing finish of deep but zippy red berry, brier, and a suggestion of heat. Striking wine caught in mid-adolescence, abundantly full of life and verve. (1573 views)
 Tasted by Deadhead on 10/7/2018 & rated 90 points: No notes. Tasty! (2001 views)
 Tasted by tomlee on 8/14/2017 & rated 95 points: Light red in color. Almost translucent. 14.1% ABV. Really pretty nose of cranberry, citrus and pine needle. Light body with vibrant acidity. Light, ethereal and so very delicate. Cranberry, cherry, blood orange and pomegranate on the palate. The finish is long, elegant and silky. I’ve always known that the Pinots from Rivers-Marie were special. It is safe to say the wines also stand the test of time as well. One of the best Pinots I’ve had from TRB. Drink over the next 2-3 years. (2122 views)
 Tasted by brigcampbell on 4/27/2017: Book Club - Magnumfest; 4/25/2017-4/27/2017 (The Winery, Newport Beach, CA): Blind from a mag. Guess RM Summa, yeah for me. Mike O guessed it correctly after just sticking his nose in the glass. Damn. Looking deeply saturated maroon color, much darker than the School House. I'm getting sandelwood here... familiar... musty Rhubarb, moldy strawberries, and a hint of orange in the backend... Summa? Soft rounded out tannins, lovely harmony with the flavors. (2417 views)
 Tasted by Frank Murray III on 4/25/2017: Poured from magnum, served blind. And of note, was put alongside the 2007 School House, also poured the same way--blind and from mag. Both wines really showed well, although they did show differently. As to this Rivers-Marie, classic RM notes that I come to expect from this vineyard. In the aromatics, pine needle and forest, along with citrus peel and smoke. The palate? Saturating says my written notes from last night, with cranberry sauce, drinking smooth and balanced. My notes also say distinctive. which for me is what Summa shows for its terroir. Both the School House and this Summa were just gorgeous wines, a great pair to put and serve side by side. (2003 views)
 Tasted by Meerlust on 4/15/2017 & rated 89 points: Dark red color. The nose and palate were packed with cherry and raspberry, but I was surprised by the lack of any secondary development. This medium-bodied wine was plush in the mouth with balanced acidity and a moderate finish. Overall, I was a bit disappointed given the vineyard and vintage, as it seemed straightforward and correct but not exciting. In fairness, we had this at a dinner with basic stemware, so it may not have been given an optimal opportunity to show its best. It paired well with the pesto stuffed pork loin and polenta. (1731 views)
 Tasted by Burgundy Al on 1/1/2017 & rated 90 points: Maturing red cherry aromas that show good spice. Similar flavors are just slightly less elegant and refined. Very good balance. Moderate weight and length. Good now. (2261 views)
 Tasted by fisk15 on 12/1/2016 & rated 93 points: Drank at thanksgiving 2016 w/ family. showing very well, likely at peak (1621 views)
 Tasted by Burgundy Al on 7/31/2016 & rated 91 points: I haven't had this wine in several years, and age really seems to have been kind to it. Spice and floral start with fully mature red fruit aromas. Similar flavors with lots of textural nuance and charm. In fact I preferred this wine to the Old Vines tasted next, despite the OV's greater concentration. I'd think it best to enjoy this wine over the next 2-4 years. (1934 views)
 Tasted by NTR on 4/19/2016 & rated 91 points: Sweet but sublime strawberry nose with a hint of barnyard. Well integrated subtle mouth feel. Fairly acidic. The aforementioned citrus notes near the finish (grapefruit). Very nice. 91+ (1704 views)
 Tasted by hiroshisugi on 3/4/2016 & rated 94 points: Excellent! Very expressive nose, red fruits (cherry, strawberry). On the palate a complex mixture of fruit, acidity and a bit of earthiness. Long finish, goes on forever, with orange peel and tee-like aromatics. This is an outstanding Pinot from California! (1648 views)
 Tasted by BklynNeophyte on 3/9/2015: A bit too rich. Not a fan of this style. (2176 views)
 Tasted by peternelson on 9/21/2014 & rated 89 points: At Smoke, Oil, Salt--blind: Very big, somewhat overblown, over ripe and hot. Not my style. (2748 views)
 Tasted by thomaskeil on 6/12/2014 & rated 89 points: PnP. Promising nose with cherry, strawberry, nice earthy notes and hints of herb/spice. Medium weight fruit on palate, some acidity and soft tannins, but not enough to focus. Lacks tension and leans towards muddy/soft. Flavor profile is complex with the fruit layered with spices and green/orange peel streak. Not optimistic about future improvement. (2901 views)
 Tasted by JOJ on 6/7/2014 & rated 94 points: Wow. Much, much better than a bottle of 20 months ago. The heaviness has disappeared, leaving a lithe but complex pinot. On the nose, luscious aromas of cherry, strawberry, orange peel, wild berry, clove and baking spice. Amazing flavors of bing cherry, pomegranate and citrus with notes of baking spice. Long, spicy finish. Great acidity and structure. Well balanced. Just singing now. (2634 views)
 Tasted by cjsavino on 4/9/2014 & rated 90 points: Color is a lighter ruby with a slight cloudiness in the glass. The taste is bright, cherry, bit of orange zest, plum skin, and lighter tannins. (3202 views)
 Tasted by pjhr on 3/15/2014 & rated 94 points: Just a lovely pinot with similar tasting notes to previous bottle. Wonderful sour red cherries, floral, and earthy notes on the nose and palate with hints of orange peel with a long lingering sappy finish. (2650 views)
 Tasted by Federsin on 12/20/2013: Delicious, drink up (2237 views)
 Tasted by Burgundy Al on 10/29/2013 & rated 90 points: Similar to another bottle from a year ago with lots of very charming and accessible fruit, but oddly paired with an unusual bell pepper hint. Stayed fairly constant over several hours. I don't expect much upside from here. (2545 views)
 Tasted by pjhr on 9/14/2013 & rated 94 points: Just a lovely pinot! Wonderful sour red cherries, floral, and earthy notes on the nose and palate with hints of orange with a long lingering sappy finish. (1829 views)
 Tasted by Aenie on 7/27/2013 & rated 92 points: nice wine , any step of old vine, easy to drink , like second label of old vine, (1816 views)
 Tasted by fredb on 7/20/2013: Medium-dark plum red. Aromas of raspberry, cherry, blackberry, and lemon. Palate has blackberry, boysenberry, and raspberry with some cherry notes that carry into a sweet medium finish. This is not overdone, but is ripe and full. Drinking well now and may develop a bit more interest (or at least hold) for a few more years. Drink or hold. (1712 views)
 Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine...

Professional 'Channels'
By Allen Meadows
Burghound, October 2009, Issue #36
(Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard Villages Red) Subscribe to see review text.
By Stephen Tanzer
Vinous, May/June 2009, IWC Issue #144
(Rivers Marie Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard Sonoma Coast) Subscribe to see review text.
By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (12/31/2010)
(Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard) Very dark red violet color; red fruit, tart raspberry, black raspberry nose; tasty, rich, ripe raspberry, red fruit, tart cherry, cherry pie palate; medium-plus finish  94 points
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Burghound and Vinous and RJonWine.com. (manage subscription channels)

CellarTracker Wiki Articles (login to edit | view all articles)

Rivers-Marie

Producer website

2007 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Summa Vineyard

2007 Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast— 120 cases, 13.2% alcohol, 60% new French oak. This wine has shades of its 2005 version. The nose has a reductive quality that features elements of sandalwood, orange oil, sour cherry and ripe red Pinot aromas. The floral qualities come on quickly as well with rose petals, lavender and pine needles. The class in the Summa bottlings is really what sets them apart from the rest of the portfolio. Cola, sassafras, cut hay and wet earth combine with the orange/red fruit profile to make this the most coastal of all the bottlings. This even more than the Old Vine wine might take the longest to come around. A couple years in the cellar minimum will be required to see this wine even out.

Pinot Noir

Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.


Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.

Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.

The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.

Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.

In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.

With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.

Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.

USA

American wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.

California

2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson

Sonoma County

Mendocino County

Sonoma Coast

* Sonoma Coast AVA (Wikipedia)
* Sonoma Coast AVA (Wine Institue)

 
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