2012 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Gioia Vineyard Sonoma Coast
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Tasting notes
(14.1% alcohol): Good full red. Sappy aromas of black and red fruits complemented by a warm loamy element (this is actually Thomas Brown's coldest site after Summa but it benefits from afternoon sun). Juicy and quite complex; less obviously rich in the early going than the Summa but shows terrific cut and structure to its flavors of cranberry, strawberry and citrus peel. I'd give this beauty a couple years for its firm tannic spine to soften.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark red cherries, plums, savory herbs, licorice and new leather all take shape in the 2012 Pinot Noir Gioia Vineyard. This is a decidedly powerful, intense Pinot endowed with tons of pure power. Savory notes suggest whole clusters, but the 2012 was made entirely with destemmed fruit. The Gioia is one of the more virile and broad-shouldered wines in the Rivers-Marie range. With time in the glass it firms up just a bit, suggesting a year or two of cellaring will be rewarded.