I think Santa Cruz Mountains is out of the question for a Napa/Sonoma trip, so I’d say focus on Russian River Valley addresses. I have no idea who is open to appointments and who isn’t. Williams-Selyem, Dehlinger, Rochioli, and Hanzell all come to mind as possibly interesting to you. I don’t drink many cab blends so can’t cast my palate preferences to your approach angle on the Pinot Noir, but I applaud the direction of your taste drift.
Alex - the 2 you mentioned, Rhys and Rivers Marie are among a very small group of pinot producers that I buy from every year. Some others I really enjoy and suggest you try are Kutch, Scherrer and Ceritas.
While in Napa, a visit to Failla might work out. The Pinots are well made if a touch more “purple” than the 2 you mentioned.
A plug for Porter Creek in RRV. Alex and his wife are great people. He did some training in Burgundy and is a very experienced Pinot-maker. The family has been winemaking there for almost 35 years. The Pinots combine appropriate ripeness for the AVA with charm and restraint.
Also, Joseph Swan is right down the road and worth a stop…Rod Berglund being another extremely experienced hand.
Soliste and Kutch. They will host a tasting if you call well in advance for an appointment. My two favorite pinot producers. The Prince of Pinot has given these two wine makers his highest praise and scores. Both make a lighter more Burgundian style wine.
If you’re going to visit Sojourn you might as well stumble across the square when you’re done and visit Walt. They say they make pinot noir for people who like cabernet. Indeed, they’re luscious!
If you’re in the Russian River Valley you should visit Hartford.
Ancillary is a Pinot project between Mike Smith and Mark Carter. I think you would enjoy it. I have been buying River Marie for years. Coming from a cab perspective I think you would like Kosta Brown, but it is difficult to get.
Go to Envy Wines in Calisoga, you can try Mike’s wines which are phenomenal cabs and Ancillary Pinot’s.
Copain is of the controlled ripeness school and in my top tier for CA pinot, and the winery is in Healdsburg even though most of the grapes are from Anderson Valley. Essential visit in my book if you’re going to be in Sonoma.
A hearty second and third on Lynmar. Very impressive place with huge doors that they open when the weather is nice; just like tasting outside. Great glass ware, big pours, and they usually have something hidden under the counter. Just pay for the best tasting. Some of their single vineyard wines are probably not worth the tariff, but the entry level wines are good values. I met their former winemaker (name escapes me now; Bibiana??) in Vegas when she was with Adam Lee and one of the Pisoni boys, who I think she married.