PSA: 2008 Rivers Marie (pinot & chardonnay)

WINE TALK
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2008 Rivers Marie w/ Thomas Brown
1/12/10

2008 Rivers Marie B. Theriot Chardonnay
Slightly less acidic but fuller of fruit and stuffing than I recall the 07 being (I tried 07 once from barrel and once from a bottle that I bought from this mailer last year). I was one of the people that thought the 07 was white burg-ish, this one reminds me more of Marcassin Marcassin, with less obvious oak. Tension, structure, fruit – it’s all in there and I absolutely held up the tasting as I was quite reluctant to dump. TRB thinks this better than last years – I just think them different, equally impressive.

2008 Rivers Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
My first R-M mailer had the 06’s – so I don’t go too far back, but I think this to be the marriage of the 06 & 07 versions. The 06 had brighter acidity, more orange peel - the 07 was a little more brooding, a little more tannic and darker in fruit profile. The 08 has darker fruit of 07, with the lifting & refreshing orange peel of the 06. This is the best R-M Sonoma Coast bottling I’ve ever had, going away. (For reference, I preferred the 06 to the 07 SC)

2008 Rivers Marie Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir
2008 Rivers Marie Summa Old Vine Pinot Noir
Thomas poured the OV first and I wish he hadn’t. The OV fans out wide over the palate, full of nuance and depth. The finish gains steam, picks up and powers through - a real treat. The regular Summa bottling is clearly related, but not as refined. Not as wide in the mid (neither are fat by any stretch, this more linear and structured) as the OV, but clearly closely related. I would have liked to have tried the regular first, as I am sure it would have made its own impressions more clearly, but I couldn’t help but think what it didn’t have in comparison.

2008 Rivers Marie Occidental Ridge Pinot Noir
The most fruit driven/fruit bomb of the group. Easily the biggest of the group, it was mentioned that this is the furthest east of all the vineyards, hence warmer and highest in alcohol. Didn’t detect any heat, but the fruit profile here was obvious.

Now on to the PSA: There are allocations, the allocations are limited (but I do think there are at least 2 bottles of everything being offered) in effort to spread the wealth, but they are not guaranteed. The usual suspects will go fast, so I implore you R-M fans to move quickly. (Read between the lines here)

Disclaimer: I have tasted w/ Thomas 2-3 times and like him personally. I buy his wine, but have no financial interest whatsoever in any of this (unfortunately).

*** All bottles were open approx. 24 hours by the time I tasted them

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I take it that you didnt get any sense of smoke taint on any of the wines?

3

Negative. I think I remember him being asked about that when the Berserkers went up there and he said he was just lucky. No smoke and little oak - I was duly impressed, but I am a fan of these wines.

4

thanks for the notes! I am a big fan (especially with a few years on the pinots).

This will be my fifth year on the list, and I don’t seem to remember that your allocation could sell out (I hope not!). Maybe I always ordered right away.

Also, I seem to remember the site said 3 each pinot, 2 chards with same prices as last year

5

You are correct sir.

The 2008 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay release letter will go out Wednesday January 20th. The offering will consist of 3 bottles each of the Sonoma Coast, Occidental Ridge, Summa and Summa Old Vines and 2 bottles of the B. Thieriot Chardonnay. The prices will remain the same as last year and everyone who received a Cabernet offering in the fall will receive this offer

The only problem with an allocation like this is that 14 bottles is a bad number for shipping, as you pay for a case and then a 2 pack. Does anyone know if shipping will be included like it was with the cab? That makes it easier to order the extra 2.

6

First year being offered. Looking forward to it. Any ideas on prices?

7

Assuming I didn’t lie to myself last year when I put them in CT

Sonoma Coast - $25
Summa/Occidental/Theriot - $45
Summa Old Vine - $60

8

Hahaha. Thanks William.

9

Willow Creek - $40

10

Todd fail. No Willow Creek in 08. neener

11

Forgive me - I didn’t have the privilege of going through each bottle prior to mailer like you did…

12

Will, didn’t we taste through the 08’s in the summer as well? or were those the 07’s?

13

Good question. I’m sure Tex remembers, but I haven’t a clue.

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'07’s.

15

Thanks William. Awesome notes. Did Thomas mention what happened to the Willow Creek? Can’t wait to try the Chard.

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Willow Creek didn’t have the production/tonnage to make a bottling big enough to offer. It all goes to the Sonoma Coast now.

17

Gee William…what were you doing up there with Thomas? [wink.gif]

Thanks for the notes. No brainer buy for me.

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The more i think about it, the more I think it was the 08 since the 07s were released half a year before we went right?

19

Nice notes Will, they are spot on!

I was up there this afternoon as well and the 08’s were tasting great! We even tasted through 08 Outpost, RM Cab and Maybach from barrel. Although the 08’s might be overshadowed by the 07’s I am absolutely a buyer!

Notes to follow.

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