2023 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Silver Eagle Vineyard

A shade deeper ruby hue, the 2023 Pinot Noir Silver Eagle Vineyard is darker in profile, with notes of black raspberries, darker crushed earth, forest herbs, and deeper spice. The medium to full-bodied palate has a more fleshy and even feel, with slightly broader shoulders, and it has ripe tannins and a savory feel on the finish. It’s a more cuddly wine to drink over the coming 10-12 years. Owned by Thomas Rivers Brown and Genevieve Marie Welsh and based in Calistoga, Rivers Marie specializes in single varietal, single vineyard expressions of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. One of Sonoma's most prolific winemakers and consultants, Thomas Rivers Brown grew up in South Carolina and later went on to work at Turley before carving his own path forward. I met with Thomas and Will Segui, the assistant winemaker, at the Calistoga winery this spring to taste the wines for this report.