October 28, 2023 - Very similar to bottle drunk over two years ago, in June 2021 - a super pinot, lots of primary fruit of tart cherry raspberry, and a beam of acidity to carry through the long finish. At least well stored bottles should drink well for another 5+ years, but I can’t see this 2011 RM Gioia getting any better than this. Excellent with stir fry chicken and rice, plus apple cake dessert.
February 19, 2022 - Nice bottle. Some maturity, but still rather primary and vigorous. Good, but no fireworks.
September 18, 2021 - This was quite nice. Bright, cherries, hint of orange, not a lot of earth, but plenty of verve. I expected more from this given the price, but it's a very nice Pinot.
June 27, 2021 - Delicious! Perfect Saturday evening pinot to pair with grilled tuna steak. No signs of age-based decline in this 10 yr old pinot, either in color or taste, so not seeing any urgency to open these if you have some that are well-cellared. Medium-bodied raspberry and tart cherry, with a mouthwatering beam of acidity on the finish (which helps this pair well with dinner).
January 9, 2020 - Did not really enjoy the last bottle. A year later, this one is much better. Ruby red color. Sour cherry, cranberry, spice and raspberry aromas. the last bottle showed candied cherry fruit, none of that is noted this time. sour cherry, cranberry, spice flavors. Medium body with a smooth finish. Has good acidity.
September 6, 2019 - Light red in color. Almost translucent. 13% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, cloves, baking spices and pine needles. Medium body with medium acidity. Elegant and delicate. Cherry, cranberry, blood orange and earth on the palate. Medium length on the finish. Very good Pinot Noir that only pales when compared to some of the other single vineyard designates in the Rivers-Marie lineup. Best over the next 1-2 years.
February 10, 2019 - Prior bottle was nearly eight months ago and in general, this wine continues to show very well and this particular bottle showed some positive bottle variation as compared to my immediately prior one. Cherry, raspberry, earth and mineral on the nose. Medium bodied with same mix of black and red cherry upfront, deeper, richer raspberry through the middle and tart red cherry and cranberry towards the back. As compared to the prior bottle, this bottle showed more balance and depth through the middle as well as more defined tart notes towards the back. Overall, the wine felt a bit better integrated. I did initially pick up the candied red cherry notes described by Gharter, but additional time open and a cooler serving temperature allowed the wine to fully integrate and move past those notes. Based on this showing, I would drink before year-end 2020.
October 7, 2018 - Beautiful color and aroma. Starts with sour cherry, cranberry and raspberry. The palate is just dominated by a candied red cherry that just overwhelms everything else. A hint of spice in the finish. The wine has great acidity. The candied fruit is just too much for me to really enjoy the wine. One bottle left, maybe the next will be better. I don't recall previous bottles having the candied fruit.
September 9, 2018 - Popped and poured, drinking well. Typical rivers Marie pinot flavor profile, if just a bit sweeter and more confected than I'd anticipated this vintage to be.
August 11, 2018 - All of these low 90's scores have it right, beautiful Cali pinot nose. Very sweet juice, slightly burnt nose in a pleasant way. Drink these up, nice wine.