TN: 2011 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Silver Eagle Vineyard

WINE TALK
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  • 2011 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Silver Eagle Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (8/1/2013)
    Consistent with my previous two bottles. Just an awesome expression of Sonoma Coast Pinot that was picked smartly in an off year.
    A pretty nose Bing Cherry with hints of sarsaparilla and exotic tea leaf. Palate shows a deft balance which is mind-boggling. There is some dried cherries and red-raspberries with a brightness and complexity not often encountered. As I mentioned, the balance is spot on and tannins are in sizable and in control but lenient and the finish just a joy. I wish I had more…oh wait, I have three more in offsite storage! (94 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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What is this pinot noir stuff you speak of??? [stirthepothal.gif]

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I know, it’s crazy, right?
Old dog, new trick. [snort.gif]

:slight_smile:

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WOW…this is on the order of FMIII’s palate shift across the pond. [snort.gif] neener [berserker.gif]

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Nice note. Though I’m not sure I would recognize sarsaparilla if I smelled it.
Silver Eagle seems to be consistently my favorite RM Pinot bottling. They drink well young, which is nice too.

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Never drank sarsaparilla soda?

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Nope, but I guess I will have to give it a try. Is it kind of like root beer?

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More like birch beer.

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Had a 2011 Gioia Vineyard on Sat. night - it was awesome.

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Sippin on an 09 Summa OV that’s a pretty awesome expression of Sonoma Coast Pinot too! Super rich, but lots of citrus like acidity to balance it out. Long,lingering tobacco notes like a fine cigar. great stuff.

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You guys are killing me…trying so hard to stay away from mine, other that the Sonoma Coast. This thread is making it hard.

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Thanks for the note. I was about to open one of these recently and opted for the 2011 Sonoma Coast.
Sounds like this is ready to go and no need to wait.

Funny to read the sarsparilla reference.
I can imagine reading forum posts on “New World Pinot” where “notes of cola” or “root beer” would be considered flaws of the wine-making process and offensive in a wine but a “hint of sassafras” (root bark typically used in sarsparilla) is a good quality. Not a criticism of you or the wine. Just that one man’s “notes of cola” is another man’s “touch of tropical nuts”.

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You and Mike are baby killers.

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I just started opening my 07’s . . .

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Slow poke… [stirthepothal.gif]

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My thoughts exactly. Do folks enjoy the RM better young?

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Even the 07s are still a bit large IMO. Hoping they continue to flesh out with some more time. This was based off a bottle of 07 SC and Summa a year or so ago.

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I only started buying any pinot in about 2 years ago so I don’t know. I always counted on Sherri’s bottles to sample…
:slight_smile:

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I just pulled an 06 Occidental and an 06 Summa to drink next week. I much prefer them with age.