Method: Pop and pour (Coravined); 58 degrees; Burg glass
Look: deep muddled garnet, but very pale towards the edge; high turbidity (maybe a lot of fine sediment went through the Coravin); high amount of fast legs
Nose: black cherry, allspice, nutmeg, sandalwood, dry forest, light cola
Palate: black cherry, blood orange, forest floor, dried herbs; long- finish blood orange peel, pepper, dried herbs; dry; medium body; low, silky tannins; medium+ acidity; maybe low- heat, right on the border
Overall thoughts: Wonderful, silky and substantial mouthfeel, lively acid, lead the way in this very balanced wine. Really great, sophisticated flavor as the fruit has subsided enough to share the stage with the herbal notes almost equally. Another great Rivers-Marie Pinot.
The fact that I might detect just a hint of heat makes me think that it's time to drink up give or take.
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Opened for a virtual Zoon tasting with TRB. Nearly 15 years on and this wine is going very strong with rich, sappy black cherry with that signature hint of orange peel. Very good concentration with plenty of juicy freshness. Should continue to hold and will keep my final bottle for 5+ years (hopefully) to test the aging curve of Occidental Ridge.
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I haven't had this since just after release, and am impressed with its brightness and energy. Ripe black fruit that gives sweet hints, but is fundamentally balanced and elegant. Just faint earth notes, even after two hours, so I think this is holding amazingly well.
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14.2% alcohol. Drinking well still. Red cherry color. Pretty nose of cherry and orange peel, with earthy notes. In the mouth, elegant red fruit, earthy notes, and quite strong acidity. Finishes smooth and refined. Lively but ready to drink. A-
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Dark garnet color. I think this was slightly corked, as it did not behave like a typical Rivers-Marie wine. The nose was subdued with some funk, smoke, and a hint of dark cherry. On the palate, the acidity dominated the fruit, but what was there was a blend of dark cherry and raspberry. Overall, I think this was muted by slight cork taint, and while it wasn't endowed with its typical rich fruit and balance, it was not a terrible drink. Some claimed it was over the hill, but I am not sure about that. I have one more bottle to prove, or disprove, my theory.
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MAN…where does the time go?? Well, my last bottle of this one…while ordering some RM from the recent mailer…..this OccR is killing it!! Age has completely integrated and made this wine seamless…..while keeping all the great flavors I remember last time. Still has an energetic tart berry fruit that's creamy and darker with exotics…..beautiful florals of xmas spice, sassafras, forest floor….smoked woods and pureed fruits. The acidity is still quite youthful….orange and cranberry….and crunchy minerals rounding out the pleasure. Fantastic! 10yrs of age….money!
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Had over two nights: The nose was a little vacant. Sometimes I really didn't get anything. With coaxing there is black cherry and a bit of stewed tomatoes. The nose shows some age. My favorite part of this wine was the mid palate which was juicy fresh fruit. Cherries and a bit of cream. Not showing much structure. Some heat.
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After being open for an hour, the purity and freshness of this wine really comes through. Lovely and mouthwatering aromas of ripe black cherries, ripe black plums, fennel, and maybe a touch of vanilla. Bright and juicy on the palate, with fruit-forward notes of black cherry, plum, and hard spices. Not terribly complex, but an enjoyable, refreshing wine that went very well with tonight's dinner of five-spice duck confit.
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I drank this wine a few months ago and only vaguely remember it, but I recall a very rounded full fruit flavor with no pinot funk. I also remember thinking that I need to buy all the RM pinot I am offered because it was that good.
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This is classic Rivers-Marie pinot noir. Ready to drink from the get-go, this bright and vibrant wine exhibits notes of orange peel, raspberries, cranberries, and Asian pickled plum (umeboshi) over a layer of wet wool and forest floor. Fresh and tangy on the palate, with just a touch of astringency, followed by zesty acidity on the finish. Drinking well now.
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Cloudy light burgundy color. Bright red fruit and spice on the nose. Still lively, with a good balance of tangy fruit and acid. Typical red fruit, cranberry, orange peel and forest profile. Drinking very well.
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Pop/pour - Moderately aromatic nose that has sweetness along with some florals. Relatively delicate. No cola. On the palate, quite a bit of acidic structure remains, along with fine tannins on the finish. In general nicely balanced. Less full-bodied than I was thinking. I don't get a sense of alcohol heat that has impacted a number of aged '06 Cali Pinots I've opened up over the last 18 months. It would be an interesting experiment to hold one of these for a few years. Not quite sure if it's got the fruit to hold, but if it did and the acidity further integrated, this could be something quite special. But for me, last bottle.
I've had a touch of bottle variation with this one, with a bottle in Jun 2013 being fairly miserable and most likely flawed. A good bottle, like this one, would probably benefit from a short decant for current drinking.
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Very nicely balanced wine. Great fruit, medium bodied but with some backbone and structure. Alcohol in moderation with just the right amount of acidity for a sense of freshness. Really enjoyable and a great pinot for the money.
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Pop/pour. I would like to think that this was flawed, and therefore not the norm, but I couldn't find any overt signs. Muddy, flat, cardboard oak, muted fruit. Seems corked, but without the telltale mustiness. If I were to rate this, it would be in the 80-85 point range, which ranks as a disappointment given this wine's price.
Edit: flawed based on significantly different performance Jan '14.
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Outstanding! Layers of wonderful fruit, extremely well balanced. great nose. Finish could have been longer for higher score. Was a signed birthday bottle for my wife's 50th. Signed by Thomas Brown
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Disappointed. One dimensional. Lacked the bright red cherry fruit and acidity that I've come to expect from RM. Too sweet and candied...almost flabby. Maybe in a dumb spot. Usually love TRB's pinots, but this one fell short.
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It tasted great for the start. I let it air for 4 hours and it got better. It's a unique CA pinot that is at its prime drinking age. The tanings are smooth and the flavor is great.
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The wine looks Ruby colored. The legs are Slow. It smells like Strawberry, Raspberry, and Cherry. The body is Medium. The wine has Silky texture. The wine finishes Long.
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The wine looks Ruby colored. The legs are Medium. It smells like Strawberry, and Raspberry. It tastes like Strawberry, and Raspberry. The body is Light/Medium. The wine has Silky texture. The wine finishes Medium.
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Ruby red in color. Spice, cranberries and sandalwood on the nose. Black cherry, asian spice, earth, mushroom, pine needles, pomegranate and raspberries on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long and spicy. Great acidity. This wine will age well for another 3-5 years. I am going to make every effort to save my 2006 Summa Old Vines until it is 10 years old.
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Darker red in the glass, vibrant nose, medium bodied, rich, opulent wine with earth and red fruit notes and good acidity, perhaps a little one dimensional, but very enjoyable, balanced enough to age a few more years
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Big and balanced. Recognizable as pinot noir - not over the top. This stands out as a Rivers Marie to me. There is more acidity and more character in this than in their sonoma coast bottle. Both are delicious.
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Dark fruited, Bitter orange, slight tartness, black raspberry, heavy on the palate but not so much so where it becomes ponderous. Well made. I would drink now.
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Still seems a bit primary and big but softens up a little with time. Decently integrated fruit and tannins. I have no fear holding these for a few more years.
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Sorry to see this go, as I after drinking my last bottle, I think they are still have not hit their prime. Was not ready as a pop and pour, but started to come around in an hour. At first tight fine grained tannin lead the way, as it softened, there was more red cherry, nice spice and a clean finish.
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Pop and pour. Nose of bright cherry fruit, baking spice, and orange peel. Took a few hours to open up aromatically and on the palate, but showing nice acids to go with the tart cherry, clove, grapefruit and bergamot flavors. Some drying tannins on the back end, but the finish is long. Overall this is a bit lean in the midpalate right now, and my best guess would be that this would be showing better in a few years, though it is also possible that the fruit is drying up. This being my first bottle, I have no comparison to what it was like in its youth. I dig the acid structure and nose, and am hopeful the rest will come together with time. 90+?
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Drank with Brad Baker. Not as fruit driven as I might have expected, based on some comments. Even a tiny bit of earthy funk to it. Performed above expectations.
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Nose: black raspberry, tart cherry, chocolate, ripe strawberry. Palate: tart cherry, sweet spice, ripe strawberry, butterscotch and blueberry. Finish: the wine grows richer in it's fruit profile with ripe strawberry, cherries jam and intense nutmeg and cardamom. Fantastic pinot.
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Very RM like with it's cranberry tartness. Also with the viscosity of motor oil. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I find my self drinking this very slowly as it feels like it is fighting its way down. Definitely smoother on the nose than some other RMs I've had lightly, and with more of an earthy quality to it. I opened it b/c some posts on WB questioning the longevity of these, but this one has a whiles to go and will get better, I believe.
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Delicious but quite full and rich. These CA PNs seem so extracted to me lately and I don't mean that negatively, but rather as an observation. They certainly hit the spot for me on occasion, but I need to be prepared. Very good wine when compared to it's peers.
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Nose - full fruit, reasonably delicate. A 92 or 93.. Palette - similar. A 92 or 93. The best Cali pinot I've had yet. And I generally do not like Cali pinots, as most are over bearing, over extracted. This was decent.
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Beserkerfest Napa Halloween Party (Napa Valley Wine & Cigar): From magnum. I like the nose which is slightly earthy along with a candied cherry quality. Hard to place but also a somewhat confectionery note. On the palate, it is still quite young. A bit candied for my tastes, but it also has a quality that makes me think that in ten years it will be much more earthy. Some heat on the finish. Really interesting.
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I did not take detailed notes as this was consumed during dinner at French Laundry and there was a LOT going on. I recall floral and mushroom, cherry cola. Light bodied, beautiful. My tastes have evolved over the years and this happens to line up with exactly what I currently desire in a California pinot so it may boost my rating higher. It could also be that this absolutely lived up to the hype and that experience has skewed my score.
I am smitten and will track down any available bottles in my area, likely paying 2x more for the privilege. Wonder where my name is on that waiting list, been on there only 18 months.
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Much better than previous showings, Love where this is headed. Decanted for 1.5 hours, and followed for the next 2, and it just kept getting better and better. The profile has been very well described below
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OK - this is aging well. Awesome - perfect color and nice nose. Fruit forward, really opened up. While this wine is complex- it seems to be more grape and less barrel or oak. But it really works as you feel the terrior come trough as if it was a French Burgundy. Very nice style to this wine.
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Now, we're talking. Popped and took a small sip while the rest sat in the bottle for 3 hours. Amazing nose of wild berries, medium color. Definitely not a fruit forward Pinot. I could drink this all day long.
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A beautiful Pinot as good or better than the last bottle. An extremely well made wine that has a beautiful balance. Just the right amount of acidity for me. Joan loved it too.
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Drank over three days. Classic cola/cherry/spice. A bit blowsy (as they used to say), but shows that R-M restraint. No reason to hold these, but should last a year or two.
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Loved the first bottle, right off the truck. Now, almost 3 yrs later, this has really come together! Still pretty high toned with cranberry acidity...but it has seemed to darken and creamed up a bite. GORGEOUS floral Xmas spices, sassafras, sarsaparilla, raspberry puree, smoked earth tones/pine needles. Still uplifted with that nice tart/sour orange and cranberry acid....but well sweeted with ripe fruit to balance. Great feel, very tasty! Should have no prob with more age to it.
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Not as aromatic, soft, round and feminine as a recent Willow Creek, but more open and accessible than the tight and brooding Summa (I resisted any peak at the Summa OV). Zesty cranberry and pomegranate with pine needles, sous bois, and orange peel. Still quite big-boned and tightly wound, but not at all over-the-top. Great length. These are really superb 06 Pinots.
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cranberries, orange peel & cedar on the nose with spice. quite bright & lively. tart cranberries, sappy blackberry fruit & white pepper on the palate. LOADS of acidity. finish has earthy notes of sassafras & mushrooms. definitely needs sometime to open up but damn this is tasty! outstanding.
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Nice lifted nose of bright cherries, with some smoky notes in the background. Palate has a stemmy, slightly green aspect. More structured and not nearly as enjoyable than the 2006 Summa. Will be interesting to compare the two in a few years.
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Not as enjoyable as the first bottle a year ago. Much more quiet and subdued, with a higher level of sweetness to the fruit. I'm going to let my last bottle sit for a long, long time
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14.2% alcohol. Red cherry color. Distinctive nose of slightly sweet red cherry, blackberry, earth, and a mushroomy, almost truffle-like note. In the mouth, concentrated and racy, with tangy cherry and black Pinot fruit, a deep earth note, and robust acidity. Long finish trails off in refined fashion. Very nice and in a distinctive style. A-
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Decanted 90 minutes. Nose of earth-kissed blue and red fruit, with a bit of asian spice. Palate had rich fruit that was a little too lush, lacking tension or mineral. Velvety smooth texture. It did have balancing acidity, but did not give it focus. Loved the pure expressive fruit, but did not excite.
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An animalistic nose of lavander, cannabis resin, meyer lemon and smoky raspberry. Hard edged and a little lean on the palate and onto the finish. Spicy herbs and citrus are the final notes. Certainly intriguing but not sure this will ever offer Pinot seduction.
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Let open with cork out for 2 hours, not decanted. Nice fresh red fruit of cherry, rasberry and a touch of tangy rhubbarb on the finish. Well intergrated tannins. A bit of a let down on the finish - short and slightly bitter. Overall - Nice effort.
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Bright, medium ruby red. Red fruit and spice highlight an attractive, expressive nose. Rasberries, black cherry and cranberries with hints of asian spice, smoke and a little white pepper. Well balanced and rich. Lingering aftertaste. Nice job by TRB. Will complement a Flannery porterhouse shortly!
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Great nose and deep aromas. The cherry was a little too tart and i'm wondering if the bottle was a little off as it didn't last anywhere near like the other RM's I've had.... disappointed but hope the other one i have is better
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This is one incredible pinot that is just entering its prime drinking window. As good as it is now I think it might even get better over the coming years. A wonderful effort. Just wish I had more than one remaining bottle. Kudos Thomas Browne.
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Dark, red color to the rim. The complex nose of maple, red raspberry, sandlewood, cola, and a whiff of coconut. The palate is big with darker fruit profile combined with sandlewood, cola, and violets. This medium-bodied wine is big-boned with a solid core of dark fruit, a deep midpalate, good acidity, and balanced tannins. The finish is long with ripe fruit.
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Nice spicy forest floor Pinot, consistent with previous note yet more integrated than before. I believe this will continue to improve for several years.
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Drank over a span of 2 nights. A bit too candied on day one for my taste. A lot more subduied and balanced on day two. plenty of sour cherry and surprisingly soft tannins with cola flavors on the mid-palate. alright showing but nothing special. definitely would recommend decanting...
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Tight at first but opened well after about an hour. Great nose with dark fruit and a touch of tobacco. Palate is soft, round with a mouthful of spice and cola. Finish is moderate
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Complex aromas of earthy raspberry, Asian spice, a touch of smoke and a floral edge. On the light side of medium-bodied with an appealing strawberry and spice cake flavors. Good length on the finish with wild berry and spicy herbs. As with many ’06 CA Pinots, rather unforthcoming right now.
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Sonoma-Napa Trip Day 4 and 5; 6/29/2009-6/30/2009 (Napa and Sonoma): With dinner at Cyrus. This was a fascinating Pinot that in some ways didn't drink like a Pinot. Bright lovely raspberry fruit on the palate. Slightly candied. relatively low acidity. Medium-bodied. Enjoyed.
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Another good bottle. Once again, the nose is the high point, with luscious notes of strawberry, cherry, cranberry, underbrush and spice box. Palate offers tart red fruit, with citrus and earth notes. Acidity is a bit harsh at this stage.
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Red fruit, earth and spice. A bit disjointed and some tartness on the finish. A different wine than the bottle I had just 2 months ago. Not sure why as they were stored side by side, but this bottle was noticeably inferior to the first.
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Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with Middle Eastern Foods: Expressive nose of black cherry and baking spice. Forward big cherry and dark berry fruits but not fleshy or extracted feeling. Terrific expressive big Pinot if a bit short. Drink these while the Summa's age.
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Persian Food Meets Pinot and Chard (The Murray Casa): Maybe my WOTN (although a couple of the 2007 Alesia wines were right there with this one). Lots of spicy, intense blue fruit and some loam. Delicious and seemed to be on par bigger than the 2006 RM Summa, but the OR here is still tight and youthful with minerals and some tannin. I would like to have retasted this wine today or better yet, in a few years. I think I will need to source a couple of these to see where it goes. Terrific wine.
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Brought by Nate to Domacin's. Focused perfume on the nose. Medium weight on the palate with just a touch of heat on the palate. A great wine that should be better in a couple of years.
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After a little time to breath, the wine was jammy, fruity, and nicely balanced. A slightly lighter style, as compared to '03 Reserve Martinelli, this wine was very pleasant on the pallet with a great long finish. This is an OUTSTANDING bottle of wine. A little aging and this will really rock.
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Ripe, nearly candied nose of red berry fruits and, predominantly, black cherry; also a floral edge, but the rich and deep fruit was the dominant sensation. This is full-blown Sonoma Coast style; there is rich, layered fruit, and those seeking a more nuanced style (like me, I admit) won't find it here. This is lovely upfront, but is a bit front-loaded in that it does not deliver on the finish, and lacks the acidic backbone to be truly outstanding. Finding truly "Burgundian" American pinot may be a fool's errand after all, but there are a few that pull it off. I will hold-off on a final judgment of R-M until I've done a more complete survey of their offerings, of course, but it is not entirely clear to me that R-M is among them.
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After sitting open for a couple hours this really took off. Big blackberry expression but not fleshy or weighty. Seems to have unwound quite a bit in a year. No delicate flower its more about nicely balanced big fruit without the trappings of oak and extraction. Very good.
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Vigorously splash decanted 30 minutes before the first sip. The nose is somewhat reticent so I'll nurse this bottle to see if it opens further. Already, there are soft, breezy notes of sweet, but undifferentiated fruit and mulling spices. (after another hour) This wine is beautifully weighted with deceiving concentration and lively acidity. It is powerful yet light on its feet and quite fresh. There is a delightful berry component, nicely offset by orange pekoe and citrus peel.The buzzwords are balance and finesse, but for me, what I like most about this wine is the manner in which it announces itself. Subtle on the attack, but impressive in the mid-palate, this wine is the beauty you spend the rest of the evening stealing glances at after thhe bombshell has come and gone. It's not understated. In fact, it's a bombshell too, but of a different sort. Beautiful wine and worth a longer sleep. My favorite 2006 Pinot to date.
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Popped and poured a taste at 2pm today. Put the bottle back into the cellar until tonight. Big nose of wildberries and flowers. About 10pm, the sharpness of the acidity mellowed and the texture softened. Bright and deep wildberry and black/red fruit flavors with hints of earth, stones and spice. Round, velvety texture that carries the flavors for a long, long time. Impeccable balance. This is easily my favorite RM Pinot to date (have yet to open a Summa Old Vines though). I am having all I can do to leave a glass or two for tomorrow. This will only get better.
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Not a variable out of balance and one of the more pulled together of all the '06 Cali Pinots I've tried thus far, this is memorable stuff from Rivers-Marie. Sappy (not jammy), blackberry, and sassafrass dominate the midweight palate but this one is driven by killer acidity. Everything is in its right place and built for years of improvement. A long decant is recommended (even after 24 hrs of the bottle being open there's a hint of tightness on the end) but for those that like a very brightly acidic wine on the youthful side I recommend taking a peek. One of the best of the vintage. 93+ pts.
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14.2% alc...as always, delicious. Have a few to keep for a bit, but right now, straight out of the bottle, this rocks, brilliant acidity, fresh red fruits, tea leaves...
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Dinner with BP guys at Bottega. Tough review for me after just being in Burgundy for 2 weeks. Nice wine. Not as much minerality as I like to see. Cherry, strawberry and cranberry nose. Sweet fruit, typical of CA Pinot's, but to me not a wine meant for the long haul. It's a good, easy drink.
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Black cherry, strawberry, brown sugar, pine needles, redwood mulch, and spice. More black fruits and spice on the nose with brighter red fruits on the palate with the forest bridging the gap. Smooth with harmonious acids but also a lingering, slightly bitter plum skin note.
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Medium crimson in color, with blackberries, plum, and forest floor on the nose. initially, big strawberries on the palate. However, with about 90 minutes of air, there is a far more distinct dark fruit and brown spice profile. Still drinking new, with plenty of stuffing. Big, staying acid, round tannins, and moderate, integrated oak. I'd hold additional bottles for 2-3 years.
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When I poured this, Carolynn said "that's awfully light, no?" I was, but not a lot more than many other Pinots, especially the few I've had from 2006. In the mouth, however, this was really, really good. Tasted like Pinot, with black cherry, hard spice, plenty of backbone and enough acidity to back it up. A New World wine to be sure, nobody would mistake this for Burgundy, but I think that's a good thing. A noticeable step up from the 2005 for my palate.
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Excellent. Explosive nose of cherries, flowers, and spice. Silky smooth palate of cherry and raspberry, with Asian spice, clove and a hint of citrus. Great acidity. Long finish. Will improve with some age.
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Decanted 1 hr. Powdery, delicate and floral nose of strawberry, cherry and clove with faint earth notes. Soft start that turns velveteen as it expands on the mid-palate with red cherry, clove, blackberry and Asian Spices flavors. Plenty of acidity, good tannins and nice, spicy finish.
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Decant for 2 hours before consumption. Nose of cherry, pomegranate, plum and a little bit of mushroom and dirt... great stuff. Palate is young obviously, great attack of bright red to medium fruit then it becomes more focused and some forest floor, asian spice and an almost rhubarb like component are noticeable. Well balanced with a hint of alcohol on the finish, not bad for 14.2%. Not the best Rivers-Marie but very good and consistent as usual.
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Decanted about 3 hours prior to consumption. Can't give an in depth note but this one of the silkiest sexiest wines I have had in some time. The nose was still very tight but I do remember some black cherry on the palate. Nice linear straight line from start to fiinish with nice acidity. Pretty stuff that needs some time to unwind. If this was that tight I can't imagine how wrapped up the rest of the 06 line up must be.
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This is opened WAY too soon....but I just HAD too! Candied fruit...cranberry, cherry, raspberry, plum....ripe, yet with some tartness. Wonderful Christmas spice, sassafras, sarsaparilla, orange rind, smoked earth dust. Very young, tight, showing premature flavors and feel. Would satisfy the easy pleasured......but wait until she's of age??? Better times are ahead. ++pts
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Took to a tasting - very tight, palate of oranges & caramel with brilliant acidity.Opened up a little bit after 4-5 hours, but still needs time. Drinking this wine confirmed two things: next year, I buy all the Rivers Marie I am offered and this bottle should have been consumed in 2011. If you must, a vigorous shake and full decant.
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Early Look at Mid-Priced 2005 Burgundy: Brought as a mystery "ringer" in a flight of young 2005 Burgundy, this didn't fool anybody. Attractive dark fruit aromas and good concentration, but this had a sweet and sappy character that can rarely be mistaken for Burgundy. Still very good and easy to enjoy, this will be a good young drinking CA Pinot, hard to fit in a lineup of more austere 2005 Burgundy.
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LdC Mid-range 05 Red Burg survey (Gregg's): Group #4, My #4 (ringer) - Medium soft red color. Odd nose of stemmy red fruit with a hint of bubblegum(?) - this blew off with some time and took on more normal pinot notes. Interesting palate with briar black fruit and spiciness, but also just a slight canned note. The group didn't have any trouble picking this out as the ringer (not burgundy).
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10/28/2021 - JRockEsq wrote: 91 Points
Method: Pop and pour (Coravined); 58 degrees; Burg glass
Look: deep muddled garnet, but very pale towards the edge; high turbidity (maybe a lot of fine sediment went through the Coravin); high amount of fast legs
Nose: black cherry, allspice, nutmeg, sandalwood, dry forest, light cola
Palate: black cherry, blood orange, forest floor, dried herbs; long- finish blood orange peel, pepper, dried herbs; dry; medium body; low, silky tannins; medium+ acidity; maybe low- heat, right on the border
Overall thoughts: Wonderful, silky and substantial mouthfeel, lively acid, lead the way in this very balanced wine. Really great, sophisticated flavor as the fruit has subsided enough to share the stage with the herbal notes almost equally. Another great Rivers-Marie Pinot.
The fact that I might detect just a hint of heat makes me think that it's time to drink up give or take.
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10/28/2021 - AlyssaRock12 wrote: 91 Points
Deep garnet, cloudy
Nose: cherry cola, clay pot, forest floor, sandalwood
Palate: medium body; high - acid; low tannins; blood orange, cherry cola, forest floor, herbal tea & dried herbs; very slight heat.
Overall: Great flavors and mouthfeel but not super complex. Very drinkable and yummy. Acid is high but works well.
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4/20/2020 - Nanda wrote: 92 Points
Opened for a virtual Zoon tasting with TRB. Nearly 15 years on and this wine is going very strong with rich, sappy black cherry with that signature hint of orange peel. Very good concentration with plenty of juicy freshness. Should continue to hold and will keep my final bottle for 5+ years (hopefully) to test the aging curve of Occidental Ridge.
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11/30/2018 - Burgundy Al wrote: 89 Points
I haven't had this since just after release, and am impressed with its brightness and energy. Ripe black fruit that gives sweet hints, but is fundamentally balanced and elegant. Just faint earth notes, even after two hours, so I think this is holding amazingly well.
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2/16/2017 - gutt22 Likes this wine:
14.2% alcohol. Drinking well still. Red cherry color. Pretty nose of cherry and orange peel, with earthy notes. In the mouth, elegant red fruit, earthy notes, and quite strong acidity. Finishes smooth and refined. Lively but ready to drink. A-
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12/24/2016 - Meerlust wrote:
Dark garnet color. I think this was slightly corked, as it did not behave like a typical Rivers-Marie wine. The nose was subdued with some funk, smoke, and a hint of dark cherry. On the palate, the acidity dominated the fruit, but what was there was a blend of dark cherry and raspberry. Overall, I think this was muted by slight cork taint, and while it wasn't endowed with its typical rich fruit and balance, it was not a terrible drink. Some claimed it was over the hill, but I am not sure about that. I have one more bottle to prove, or disprove, my theory.
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5/14/2016 - AJG wrote: flawed
Corked.
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1/19/2016 - Mrbuzz Likes this wine: 95 Points
MAN…where does the time go?? Well, my last bottle of this one…while ordering some RM from the recent mailer…..this OccR is killing it!! Age has completely integrated and made this wine seamless…..while keeping all the great flavors I remember last time. Still has an energetic tart berry fruit that's creamy and darker with exotics…..beautiful florals of xmas spice, sassafras, forest floor….smoked woods and pureed fruits. The acidity is still quite youthful….orange and cranberry….and crunchy minerals rounding out the pleasure. Fantastic! 10yrs of age….money!
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10/18/2015 - jasonh wrote: 87 Points
Had over two nights:
The nose was a little vacant. Sometimes I really didn't get anything. With coaxing there is black cherry and a bit of stewed tomatoes. The nose shows some age. My favorite part of this wine was the mid palate which was juicy fresh fruit. Cherries and a bit of cream. Not showing much structure. Some heat.
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12/24/2014 - Paul Lin wrote: 89 Points
After being open for an hour, the purity and freshness of this wine really comes through. Lovely and mouthwatering aromas of ripe black cherries, ripe black plums, fennel, and maybe a touch of vanilla. Bright and juicy on the palate, with fruit-forward notes of black cherry, plum, and hard spices. Not terribly complex, but an enjoyable, refreshing wine that went very well with tonight's dinner of five-spice duck confit.
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10/29/2014 - Brunello123 Likes this wine: 93 Points
A great wine that is on its drinking window. Sadly this was my last bottle, but it had all I look for in a Pinot and more.
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9/13/2014 - VinoDiver Likes this wine: 93 Points
2014 Fall Wine Dinner - Chicago (Chicago): A pop and pour. Pure fruit with still enough backbone that I see no reason this won't continue to develop.
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7/2/2014 - geeky? not sure wrote:
Very CA, but still varietally correct - very much Pinot Noir. Not my favorite style and certainly not worth the retail $, but well made and tasty.
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5/31/2014 - J @ y H @ c k Likes this wine:
I drank this wine a few months ago and only vaguely remember it, but I recall a very rounded full fruit flavor with no pinot funk. I also remember thinking that I need to buy all the RM pinot I am offered because it was that good.
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5/14/2014 - Paul Lin wrote: 90 Points
This is classic Rivers-Marie pinot noir. Ready to drink from the get-go, this bright and vibrant wine exhibits notes of orange peel, raspberries, cranberries, and Asian pickled plum (umeboshi) over a layer of wet wool and forest floor. Fresh and tangy on the palate, with just a touch of astringency, followed by zesty acidity on the finish. Drinking well now.
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2/24/2014 - thomaskeil wrote: 88 Points
Still balanced and fruit-forward. Not as fresh as before, but expressive and softer. Nice, but lacks complexity and tension.
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2/15/2014 - willison wrote: 91 Points
Cloudy light burgundy color. Bright red fruit and spice on the nose. Still lively, with a good balance of tangy fruit and acid. Typical red fruit, cranberry, orange peel and forest profile. Drinking very well.
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1/21/2014 - vanpe003 wrote: 91 Points
Pop/pour - Moderately aromatic nose that has sweetness along with some florals. Relatively delicate. No cola. On the palate, quite a bit of acidic structure remains, along with fine tannins on the finish. In general nicely balanced. Less full-bodied than I was thinking. I don't get a sense of alcohol heat that has impacted a number of aged '06 Cali Pinots I've opened up over the last 18 months. It would be an interesting experiment to hold one of these for a few years. Not quite sure if it's got the fruit to hold, but if it did and the acidity further integrated, this could be something quite special. But for me, last bottle.
I've had a touch of bottle variation with this one, with a bottle in Jun 2013 being fairly miserable and most likely flawed. A good bottle, like this one, would probably benefit from a short decant for current drinking.
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11/15/2013 - jfkwines wrote: 92 Points
P n p- smooth as silk
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8/15/2013 - MLwine wrote: 92 Points
Very nicely balanced wine. Great fruit, medium bodied but with some backbone and structure. Alcohol in moderation with just the right amount of acidity for a sense of freshness. Really enjoyable and a great pinot for the money.
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6/15/2013 - vanpe003 wrote: flawed
Pop/pour. I would like to think that this was flawed, and therefore not the norm, but I couldn't find any overt signs. Muddy, flat, cardboard oak, muted fruit. Seems corked, but without the telltale mustiness. If I were to rate this, it would be in the 80-85 point range, which ranks as a disappointment given this wine's price.
Edit: flawed based on significantly different performance Jan '14.
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5/25/2013 - 1961Vintage Likes this wine: 94 Points
Outstanding! Layers of wonderful fruit, extremely well balanced. great nose. Finish could have been longer for higher score. Was a signed birthday bottle for my wife's 50th. Signed by Thomas Brown
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3/18/2013 - derek.hara@sbcglobal.net Does not like this wine: 85 Points
Disappointed. One dimensional. Lacked the bright red cherry fruit and acidity that I've come to expect from RM. Too sweet and candied...almost flabby. Maybe in a dumb spot. Usually love TRB's pinots, but this one fell short.
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3/17/2013 - Brunello123 Likes this wine: 95 Points
It tasted great for the start. I let it air for 4 hours and it got better. It's a unique CA pinot that is at its prime drinking age. The tanings are smooth and the flavor is great.
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3/2/2013 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com Likes this wine: 92 Points
The wine looks Ruby colored. The legs are Slow. It smells like Strawberry, Raspberry, and Cherry. The body is Medium. The wine has Silky texture. The wine finishes Long.
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2/3/2013 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com Likes this wine: 92 Points
The wine looks Ruby colored. The legs are Medium. It smells like Strawberry, and Raspberry. It tastes like Strawberry, and Raspberry. The body is Light/Medium. The wine has Silky texture. The wine finishes Medium.
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10/28/2012 - tomlee wrote: 93 Points
Ruby red in color. Spice, cranberries and sandalwood on the nose. Black cherry, asian spice, earth, mushroom, pine needles, pomegranate and raspberries on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long and spicy. Great acidity. This wine will age well for another 3-5 years. I am going to make every effort to save my 2006 Summa Old Vines until it is 10 years old.
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10/20/2012 - ljl203 wrote: 90 Points
Crimson orange color. Dried cranberry, roses, oregano, touch of oak and medium tannin. Well integrated, not super long or structured.
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9/4/2012 - Federsin Likes this wine:
Darker red in the glass, vibrant nose, medium bodied, rich, opulent wine with earth and red fruit notes and good acidity, perhaps a little one dimensional, but very enjoyable, balanced enough to age a few more years
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7/23/2012 - galewskj wrote: 92 Points
Big and balanced. Recognizable as pinot noir - not over the top. This stands out as a Rivers Marie to me. There is more acidity and more character in this than in their sonoma coast bottle. Both are delicious.
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7/22/2012 - rocknroller wrote: 91 Points
Monthly Wine Group: Domestic Pinots and Chards From Some Top Producers (Levain, Mpls): Small pour, earth, briar, raspberry, tart, orange peel, spices.
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6/26/2012 - fisk15 wrote: 90 Points
Dark fruited, Bitter orange, slight tartness, black raspberry, heavy on the palate but not so much so where it becomes ponderous. Well made. I would drink now.
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5/20/2012 - tyvoodoo wrote:
Still seems a bit primary and big but softens up a little with time. Decently integrated fruit and tannins. I have no fear holding these for a few more years.
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4/27/2012 - CMN Likes this wine: 92 Points
Pours a garnet color. Some funk on the nose that blew off quickly. Aromas of red fruit, baking soda, florals and some sweetness.
On the palate sweet red fruit that is balanced by some tartness. Med+ acids and well integrated tannins. Med+ finish. Well balanced.
Really nicely done. Can last at least 5 more years.
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3/30/2012 - jfkwines wrote: 91 Points
Rich, flavorful cherry slight hint of dirt at the end.
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3/27/2012 - yui wrote: 94 Points
too bad tha this was the only bottle I have. The acid is just amazing, it carries the finish for a long time. Best of their line up.
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3/18/2012 - gzim wrote: 91 Points
Sorry to see this go, as I after drinking my last bottle, I think they are still have not hit their prime. Was not ready as a pop and pour, but started to come around in an hour. At first tight fine grained tannin lead the way, as it softened, there was more red cherry, nice spice and a clean finish.
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3/8/2012 - GrapeScott wrote: 90 Points
Pop and pour. Nose of bright cherry fruit, baking spice, and orange peel. Took a few hours to open up aromatically and on the palate, but showing nice acids to go with the tart cherry, clove, grapefruit and bergamot flavors. Some drying tannins on the back end, but the finish is long. Overall this is a bit lean in the midpalate right now, and my best guess would be that this would be showing better in a few years, though it is also possible that the fruit is drying up. This being my first bottle, I have no comparison to what it was like in its youth. I dig the acid structure and nose, and am hopeful the rest will come together with time. 90+?
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2/12/2012 - Serge Birbrair wrote:
Popped and poured. Concentrated and fully balanced by now. Drink, keep, it's all good.
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2/12/2012 - Acohen wrote: 92 Points
Great cherry fruit with some spice, earth and a fabulous finish. So well integrated and full
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2/4/2012 - Old_Winyards wrote:
Drank with Brad Baker. Not as fruit driven as I might have expected, based on some comments. Even a tiny bit of earthy funk to it. Performed above expectations.
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1/16/2012 - RockinCabs wrote: 93 Points
Nose: black raspberry, tart cherry, chocolate, ripe strawberry. Palate: tart cherry, sweet spice, ripe strawberry, butterscotch and blueberry. Finish: the wine grows richer in it's fruit profile with ripe strawberry, cherries jam and intense nutmeg and cardamom. Fantastic pinot.
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1/15/2012 - Lessthanzero wrote: 91 Points
Very RM like with it's cranberry tartness. Also with the viscosity of motor oil. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I find my self drinking this very slowly as it feels like it is fighting its way down. Definitely smoother on the nose than some other RMs I've had lightly, and with more of an earthy quality to it. I opened it b/c some posts on WB questioning the longevity of these, but this one has a whiles to go and will get better, I believe.
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12/31/2011 - gregg g wrote:
Delicious but quite full and rich. These CA PNs seem so extracted to me lately and I don't mean that negatively, but rather as an observation. They certainly hit the spot for me on occasion, but I need to be prepared. Very good wine when compared to it's peers.
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12/23/2011 - risaacs Likes this wine: 92 Points
Holding up great, no sign of age at all. I will hold my last one until 2016 at least.
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11/27/2011 - Jhcwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Nose - full fruit, reasonably delicate. A 92 or 93.. Palette - similar. A 92 or 93. The best Cali pinot I've had yet. And I generally do not like Cali pinots, as most are over bearing, over extracted. This was decent.
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11/24/2011 - fisk15 wrote: 92 Points
Really good, forest floor, tart cherry a tiny bit of rose pedal on the nose. This is well made and ready to drink. Consistent on 2nd day.
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11/7/2011 - Mike Dildine wrote: 90 Points
Expressive nose doesn't quite translate to the palate. Enjoyable nonetheless.
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10/31/2011 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 91 Points
Beserkerfest Napa Halloween Party (Napa Valley Wine & Cigar): From magnum. I like the nose which is slightly earthy along with a candied cherry quality. Hard to place but also a somewhat confectionery note. On the palate, it is still quite young. A bit candied for my tastes, but it also has a quality that makes me think that in ten years it will be much more earthy. Some heat on the finish. Really interesting.
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10/29/2011 - SanFranSoxFan04 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Bigger and more rich than I recall. Good.
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8/6/2011 - SanFranSoxFan04 Likes this wine: 94 Points
I did not take detailed notes as this was consumed during dinner at French Laundry and there was a LOT going on. I recall floral and mushroom, cherry cola. Light bodied, beautiful.
My tastes have evolved over the years and this happens to line up with exactly what I currently desire in a California pinot so it may boost my rating higher. It could also be that this absolutely lived up to the hype and that experience has skewed my score.
I am smitten and will track down any available bottles in my area, likely paying 2x more for the privilege. Wonder where my name is on that waiting list, been on there only 18 months.
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7/30/2011 - gzim wrote: 90 Points
Much better than previous showings, Love where this is headed. Decanted for 1.5 hours, and followed for the next 2, and it just kept getting better and better. The profile has been very well described below
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7/2/2011 - CO CHRIS wrote:
Donk-u-lous. Spicy. High acid. Layer upon layer.
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6/26/2011 - Screameagle wrote: 91 Points
Just a beautiful pinot. That's all I can say. Thomas does a great job with pinot fruit from this vineyard and for me its one of my favorite RM pinots.
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6/22/2011 - Bill in Chicago wrote: 94 Points
OK - this is aging well. Awesome - perfect color and nice nose. Fruit forward, really opened up. While this wine is complex- it seems to be more grape and less barrel or oak. But it really works as you feel the terrior come trough as if it was a French Burgundy. Very nice style to this wine.
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6/12/2011 - gzim wrote: 87 Points
this bottle had a bit too much spice, tartness and barrel toast, and not enough round fruit. maybe an hour wasn't enough air?
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5/22/2011 - PeterH wrote: 93 Points
Really good 'Burgundian' Calif Pinot. One of the best...
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4/9/2011 - OCgasman wrote: 92 Points
Now, we're talking. Popped and took a small sip while the rest sat in the bottle for 3 hours. Amazing nose of wild berries, medium color. Definitely not a fruit forward Pinot. I could drink this all day long.
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3/6/2011 - PeterH wrote: 93 Points
Worth twice the price...
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1/18/2011 - Screameagle wrote: 92 Points
A beautiful Pinot as good or better than the last bottle. An extremely well made wine that has a beautiful balance. Just the right amount of acidity for me. Joan loved it too.
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1/9/2011 - PeterH wrote: 92 Points
Tasty Calif pinot..
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12/2/2010 - ruddy wrote: 89 Points
Drank over three days. Classic cola/cherry/spice. A bit blowsy (as they used to say), but shows that R-M restraint. No reason to hold these, but should last a year or two.
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11/16/2010 - Mrbuzz Likes this wine: 93 Points
Loved the first bottle, right off the truck. Now, almost 3 yrs later, this has really come together! Still pretty high toned with cranberry acidity...but it has seemed to darken and creamed up a bite. GORGEOUS floral Xmas spices, sassafras, sarsaparilla, raspberry puree, smoked earth tones/pine needles. Still uplifted with that nice tart/sour orange and cranberry acid....but well sweeted with ripe fruit to balance. Great feel, very tasty! Should have no prob with more age to it.
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11/4/2010 - Moorese wrote: 92 Points
Not as aromatic, soft, round and feminine as a recent Willow Creek, but more open and accessible than the tight and brooding Summa (I resisted any peak at the Summa OV). Zesty cranberry and pomegranate with pine needles, sous bois, and orange peel. Still quite big-boned and tightly wound, but not at all over-the-top. Great length. These are really superb 06 Pinots.
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11/4/2010 - celtic67 wrote:
cranberries, orange peel & cedar on the nose with spice. quite bright & lively. tart cranberries, sappy blackberry fruit & white pepper on the palate. LOADS of acidity. finish has earthy notes of sassafras & mushrooms. definitely needs sometime to open up but damn this is tasty! outstanding.
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10/17/2010 - willison wrote: 91 Points
Cherries, cranberries followed by some spice and integrated oak. Very delicious.
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10/9/2010 - SMG wrote: 91 Points
Disjointed; needs time in the bottle to come together. Lots of cranberry and spice. Not nearly as good as the 2005.
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10/8/2010 - HenryW wrote: 88 Points
Nice lifted nose of bright cherries, with some smoky notes in the background. Palate has a stemmy, slightly green aspect. More structured and not nearly as enjoyable than the 2006 Summa. Will be interesting to compare the two in a few years.
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10/4/2010 - tim_c wrote: 88 Points
Not as enjoyable as the first bottle a year ago. Much more quiet and subdued, with a higher level of sweetness to the fruit. I'm going to let my last bottle sit for a long, long time
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9/23/2010 - gutt22 wrote:
14.2% alcohol. Red cherry color. Distinctive nose of slightly sweet red cherry, blackberry, earth, and a mushroomy, almost truffle-like note. In the mouth, concentrated and racy, with tangy cherry and black Pinot fruit, a deep earth note, and robust acidity. Long finish trails off in refined fashion. Very nice and in a distinctive style. A-
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8/30/2010 - thomaskeil wrote: 89 Points
Decanted 90 minutes. Nose of earth-kissed blue and red fruit, with a bit of asian spice. Palate had rich fruit that was a little too lush, lacking tension or mineral. Velvety smooth texture. It did have balancing acidity, but did not give it focus. Loved the pure expressive fruit, but did not excite.
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8/22/2010 - pjhr wrote: 93 Points
Simply delicious pinot!
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7/4/2010 - rnellans wrote: 91 Points
Dark. Nice aromas of dark fruits, cherries and spice. Rich, balanced on the palate with nice lift on the finish. Pleasant finish.
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6/18/2010 - pjhr wrote: 92 Points
As delicious as the last bottle.
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6/15/2010 - budman wrote: 92 Points
Lots going on here. It was worth waiting for.
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6/5/2010 - pgordon62 wrote: 88 Points
An animalistic nose of lavander, cannabis resin, meyer lemon and smoky raspberry. Hard edged and a little lean on the palate and onto the finish. Spicy herbs and citrus are the final notes. Certainly intriguing but not sure this will ever offer Pinot seduction.
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5/16/2010 - rdsboca wrote: 91 Points
Let open with cork out for 2 hours, not decanted. Nice fresh red fruit of cherry, rasberry and a touch of tangy rhubbarb on the finish. Well intergrated tannins. A bit of a let down on the finish - short and slightly bitter. Overall - Nice effort.
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4/30/2010 - WetRock wrote:
Big and powerful. Darkly fruited. Yummy but lacked some acidity leaving the finish short.
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4/16/2010 - Mike Dildine wrote: 90 Points
Bright, medium ruby red. Red fruit and spice highlight an attractive, expressive nose. Rasberries, black cherry and cranberries with hints of asian spice, smoke and a little white pepper. Well balanced and rich. Lingering aftertaste. Nice job by TRB. Will complement a Flannery porterhouse shortly!
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3/31/2010 - Acohen wrote: 89 Points
Great nose and deep aromas. The cherry was a little too tart and i'm wondering if the bottle was a little off as it didn't last anywhere near like the other RM's I've had.... disappointed but hope the other one i have is better
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2/28/2010 - Screameagle wrote: 92 Points
This is one incredible pinot that is just entering its prime drinking window. As good as it is now I think it might even get better over the coming years. A wonderful effort. Just wish I had more than one remaining bottle. Kudos Thomas Browne.
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1/31/2010 - Meerlust wrote: 91 Points
Dark, red color to the rim. The complex nose of maple, red raspberry, sandlewood, cola, and a whiff of coconut. The palate is big with darker fruit profile combined with sandlewood, cola, and violets. This medium-bodied wine is big-boned with a solid core of dark fruit, a deep midpalate, good acidity, and balanced tannins. The finish is long with ripe fruit.
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1/21/2010 - pjhr wrote: 93 Points
Lovely raspberry, earth, and red cherries on the nose and palate. Long delicious finish with well balanced acidity.
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1/16/2010 - silton wrote: 91 Points
Nice spicy forest floor Pinot, consistent with previous note yet more integrated than before. I believe this will continue to improve for several years.
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1/16/2010 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for 1 hr, still needed Vinturi Aerator. Quite good w aerator. Not as much fruit as the Summa.
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1/15/2010 - Ali wrote: 92 Points
Popped and poured. Similar to previous note. I really enjoyed the "cali pinot funK" without the heat. Prime drinking now
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1/3/2010 - Dale B. wrote: 85 Points
Off Bottle?
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12/28/2009 - budman wrote: 92 Points
Lots of cherry. Great mouthfeel.
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11/14/2009 - hkfoebee wrote:
Drank over a span of 2 nights. A bit too candied on day one for my taste. A lot more subduied and balanced on day two. plenty of sour cherry and surprisingly soft tannins with cola flavors on the mid-palate. alright showing but nothing special. definitely would recommend decanting...
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10/11/2009 - Rayburn wrote: 93 Points
Tight at first but opened well after about an hour. Great nose with dark fruit and a touch of tobacco. Palate is soft, round with a mouthful of spice and cola. Finish is moderate
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9/8/2009 - pgordon62 wrote: 89 Points
Complex aromas of earthy raspberry, Asian spice, a touch of smoke and a floral edge. On the light side of medium-bodied with an appealing strawberry and spice cake flavors. Good length on the finish with wild berry and spicy herbs. As with many ’06 CA Pinots, rather unforthcoming right now.
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7/13/2009 - yui wrote: 90 Points
sour cherries, tobacco, nice finish, but didn't wow me. I liked the tart acidity in this.
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7/10/2009 - Smari wrote: 95 Points
Delicious! Long finish, very nice nose.
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6/29/2009 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
Sonoma-Napa Trip Day 4 and 5; 6/29/2009-6/30/2009 (Napa and Sonoma): With dinner at Cyrus. This was a fascinating Pinot that in some ways didn't drink like a Pinot. Bright lovely raspberry fruit on the palate. Slightly candied. relatively low acidity. Medium-bodied. Enjoyed.
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6/29/2009 - jwsmith wrote: 91 Points
Served at a Abe and Louis Boca, excellent wine...
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6/14/2009 - JOJ wrote: 92 Points
Another good bottle. Once again, the nose is the high point, with luscious notes of strawberry, cherry, cranberry, underbrush and spice box. Palate offers tart red fruit, with citrus and earth notes. Acidity is a bit harsh at this stage.
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4/5/2009 - rsepulve wrote: 89 Points
Red fruit, earth and spice. A bit disjointed and some tartness on the finish. A different wine than the bottle I had just 2 months ago. Not sure why as they were stored side by side, but this bottle was noticeably inferior to the first.
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3/28/2009 - WetRock wrote:
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with Middle Eastern Foods: Expressive nose of black cherry and baking spice. Forward big cherry and dark berry fruits but not fleshy or extracted feeling. Terrific expressive big Pinot if a bit short. Drink these while the Summa's age.
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3/28/2009 - Frank Murray III wrote:
Persian Food Meets Pinot and Chard (The Murray Casa): Maybe my WOTN (although a couple of the 2007 Alesia wines were right there with this one). Lots of spicy, intense blue fruit and some loam. Delicious and seemed to be on par bigger than the 2006 RM Summa, but the OR here is still tight and youthful with minerals and some tannin. I would like to have retasted this wine today or better yet, in a few years. I think I will need to source a couple of these to see where it goes. Terrific wine.
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3/28/2009 - vanpe003 wrote: 92 Points
Brought by Nate to Domacin's. Focused perfume on the nose. Medium weight on the palate with just a touch of heat on the palate. A great wine that should be better in a couple of years.
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3/23/2009 - Ali wrote: 92 Points
This is good stuff. Red fruit and dusty tannins, drinking well now, but should improve with a year or two.
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3/20/2009 - Bill in Chicago wrote: 93 Points
After a little time to breath, the wine was jammy, fruity, and nicely balanced. A slightly lighter style, as compared to '03 Reserve Martinelli, this wine was very pleasant on the pallet with a great long finish. This is an OUTSTANDING bottle of wine. A little aging and this will really rock.
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3/15/2009 - FieldingYost wrote: 89 Points
Ripe, nearly candied nose of red berry fruits and, predominantly, black cherry; also a floral edge, but the rich and deep fruit was the dominant sensation. This is full-blown Sonoma Coast style; there is rich, layered fruit, and those seeking a more nuanced style (like me, I admit) won't find it here. This is lovely upfront, but is a bit front-loaded in that it does not deliver on the finish, and lacks the acidic backbone to be truly outstanding. Finding truly "Burgundian" American pinot may be a fool's errand after all, but there are a few that pull it off. I will hold-off on a final judgment of R-M until I've done a more complete survey of their offerings, of course, but it is not entirely clear to me that R-M is among them.
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2/13/2009 - WetRock wrote:
After sitting open for a couple hours this really took off. Big blackberry expression but not fleshy or weighty. Seems to have unwound quite a bit in a year. No delicate flower its more about nicely balanced big fruit without the trappings of oak and extraction. Very good.
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2/2/2009 - Moorese wrote: 94 Points
Vigorously splash decanted 30 minutes before the first sip. The nose is somewhat reticent so I'll nurse this bottle to see if it opens further. Already, there are soft, breezy notes of sweet, but undifferentiated fruit and mulling spices. (after another hour) This wine is beautifully weighted with deceiving concentration and lively acidity. It is powerful yet light on its feet and quite fresh. There is a delightful berry component, nicely offset by orange pekoe and citrus peel.The buzzwords are balance and finesse, but for me, what I like most about this wine is the manner in which it announces itself. Subtle on the attack, but impressive in the mid-palate, this wine is the beauty you spend the rest of the evening stealing glances at after thhe bombshell has come and gone. It's not understated. In fact, it's a bombshell too, but of a different sort. Beautiful wine and worth a longer sleep. My favorite 2006 Pinot to date.
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1/10/2009 - tim_c wrote: 93 Points
Popped and poured a taste at 2pm today. Put the bottle back into the cellar until tonight. Big nose of wildberries and flowers. About 10pm, the sharpness of the acidity mellowed and the texture softened. Bright and deep wildberry and black/red fruit flavors with hints of earth, stones and spice. Round, velvety texture that carries the flavors for a long, long time. Impeccable balance. This is easily my favorite RM Pinot to date (have yet to open a Summa Old Vines though). I am having all I can do to leave a glass or two for tomorrow. This will only get better.
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12/26/2008 - ClassicWater wrote: 93 Points
Not a variable out of balance and one of the more pulled together of all the '06 Cali Pinots I've tried thus far, this is memorable stuff from Rivers-Marie. Sappy (not jammy), blackberry, and sassafrass dominate the midweight palate but this one is driven by killer acidity. Everything is in its right place and built for years of improvement. A long decant is recommended (even after 24 hrs of the bottle being open there's a hint of tightness on the end) but for those that like a very brightly acidic wine on the youthful side I recommend taking a peek. One of the best of the vintage. 93+ pts.
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12/21/2008 - CO CHRIS wrote: 92 Points
14.2% alc...as always, delicious. Have a few to keep for a bit, but right now, straight out of the bottle, this rocks, brilliant acidity, fresh red fruits, tea leaves...
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12/16/2008 - G SQUARED wrote: 89 Points
Dinner with BP guys at Bottega. Tough review for me after just being in Burgundy for 2 weeks. Nice wine. Not as much minerality as I like to see. Cherry, strawberry and cranberry nose. Sweet fruit, typical of CA Pinot's, but to me not a wine meant for the long haul. It's a good, easy drink.
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10/6/2008 - charbo wrote:
great stuff. Elegant and pure but needs more bottle time
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10/5/2008 - silton wrote: 90 Points
Black cherry, strawberry, brown sugar, pine needles, redwood mulch, and spice. More black fruits and spice on the nose with brighter red fruits on the palate with the forest bridging the gap. Smooth with harmonious acids but also a lingering, slightly bitter plum skin note.
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10/4/2008 - scott davis wrote: 91 Points
Medium crimson in color, with blackberries, plum, and forest floor on the nose. initially, big strawberries on the palate. However, with about 90 minutes of air, there is a far more distinct dark fruit and brown spice profile. Still drinking new, with plenty of stuffing. Big, staying acid, round tannins, and moderate, integrated oak. I'd hold additional bottles for 2-3 years.
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9/21/2008 - MarkC wrote: 92 Points
When I poured this, Carolynn said "that's awfully light, no?" I was, but not a lot more than many other Pinots, especially the few I've had from 2006. In the mouth, however, this was really, really good. Tasted like Pinot, with black cherry, hard spice, plenty of backbone and enough acidity to back it up. A New World wine to be sure, nobody would mistake this for Burgundy, but I think that's a good thing. A noticeable step up from the 2005 for my palate.
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9/5/2008 - JOJ wrote: 93 Points
Excellent. Explosive nose of cherries, flowers, and spice. Silky smooth palate of cherry and raspberry, with Asian spice, clove and a hint of citrus. Great acidity. Long finish. Will improve with some age.
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6/12/2008 - GreenDrazi wrote: 91 Points
Decanted 1 hr. Powdery, delicate and floral nose of strawberry, cherry and clove with faint earth notes. Soft start that turns velveteen as it expands on the mid-palate with red cherry, clove, blackberry and Asian Spices flavors. Plenty of acidity, good tannins and nice, spicy finish.
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6/3/2008 - pakabear wrote: 90 Points
Decant for 2 hours before consumption. Nose of cherry, pomegranate, plum and a little bit of mushroom and dirt... great stuff. Palate is young obviously, great attack of bright red to medium fruit then it becomes more focused and some forest floor, asian spice and an almost rhubarb like component are noticeable. Well balanced with a hint of alcohol on the finish, not bad for 14.2%. Not the best Rivers-Marie but very good and consistent as usual.
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4/30/2008 - jwsmith wrote: 91 Points
This is a very big thick but silky wine, excellent.
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3/28/2008 - WetRock wrote:
Decanted about 3 hours prior to consumption. Can't give an in depth note but this one of the silkiest sexiest wines I have had in some time. The nose was still very tight but I do remember some black cherry on the palate. Nice linear straight line from start to fiinish with nice acidity. Pretty stuff that needs some time to unwind. If this was that tight I can't imagine how wrapped up the rest of the 06 line up must be.
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3/20/2008 - Mrbuzz wrote: 91 Points
This is opened WAY too soon....but I just HAD too! Candied fruit...cranberry, cherry, raspberry, plum....ripe, yet with some tartness. Wonderful Christmas spice, sassafras, sarsaparilla, orange rind, smoked earth dust. Very young, tight, showing premature flavors and feel. Would satisfy the easy pleasured......but wait until she's of age??? Better times are ahead. ++pts
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3/20/2008 - wjs wrote:
Took to a tasting - very tight, palate of oranges & caramel with brilliant acidity.Opened up a little bit after 4-5 hours, but still needs time. Drinking this wine confirmed two things: next year, I buy all the Rivers Marie I am offered and this bottle should have been consumed in 2011. If you must, a vigorous shake and full decant.
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3/16/2008 - Burgundy Al wrote: 89 Points
Early Look at Mid-Priced 2005 Burgundy: Brought as a mystery "ringer" in a flight of young 2005 Burgundy, this didn't fool anybody. Attractive dark fruit aromas and good concentration, but this had a sweet and sappy character that can rarely be mistaken for Burgundy. Still very good and easy to enjoy, this will be a good young drinking CA Pinot, hard to fit in a lineup of more austere 2005 Burgundy.
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3/16/2008 - winefool wrote: 91 Points
LdC Mid-range 05 Red Burg survey (Gregg's): Group #4, My #4 (ringer) - Medium soft red color. Odd nose of stemmy red fruit with a hint of bubblegum(?) - this blew off with some time and took on more normal pinot notes. Interesting palate with briar black fruit and spiciness, but also just a slight canned note. The group didn't have any trouble picking this out as the ringer (not burgundy).
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