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Rivers-Marie Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Thomas Rivers Brown and Genevieve Marie Welsh started Rivers Marie in 2002 making single variety wines made to reflect the vineyard & vintage from which they came. Focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet, the wines are usually sold through the mailing list only - limited. This drinks way above its price point and may end up being the best QPR Cabernet they have ever released. previous vintage 95 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Starting with the least expensive release, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley makes you wonder why you would spend more on the top cuvées. This full-bodied, fruit-forward, yet deep, layered beauty gives up complex notes of crème de cassis, graphite, incense, and candied violets. It’s as seamless and balanced as they come and is a beautiful wine to drink over the coming 15-20 years." The composition of our 2016 Napa appellation wine is very similar to the 2015 version: clones 4 and 6 from Panek, the lower block of Lore, Pellet Vineyard in St Helena and two blocks from Kennedy Vineyard on Franz Valley School Road in Calistoga. Even with no Herb Lamb or Larkmead in the blend, the wine still provides an early drinking insight into the character of the four vineyard designated bottlings from 2016. If 2015 was defined by fruit sweetness, this vintage is framed by ripe tannin. The fruit is a bit darker as well, leaning toward black fruits and thus a more serious seeming offering. The various defining attributes of the vineyard sources pop up throughout while experiencing the wine. The abundant fruit and acid cut of Panek’s valley floor location, the all black fruit, crushed rock minerality of Lore’s east Oakville range, the loamy purple fruit of Pellet’s west St. Helena corridor and the blue fruited cool climate savory-ness of Kennedy’s western Calistoga siting. Completeness best describes the overall experience. Fruit, tannin and acidity all come in waves of equal proportion while the tasting experience follows seamlessly from start to finish.
Ratings on Delectable
E & K G
Much better than my last go at the wine (was good last time as well) and the past couple of months have really done it some good as it feels much more balanced and the red and blue fruit showing very well with a bit more mocha showing itself this time I feel. Glad I have one more bottle - but will try and give that a few more years.
Much better than my last go at the wine (was good last time as well) and the past couple of months have really done it some good as it feels much more balanced and the red and blue fruit showing very well with a bit more mocha showing itself this time I feel. Glad I have one more bottle - but will try and give that a few more years.
9.1E & K G
Dark concentrated fruit followed by softer tannins. Ready for business with no decant. Went very well with a solid T-bone steak!
Dark concentrated fruit followed by softer tannins. Ready for business with no decant. Went very well with a solid T-bone steak!
9.1
Laith A
This is really good for an entry level wine from Rivers Marie! Could obviously use more bottle time but great with a little air even this young!!!
This is really good for an entry level wine from Rivers Marie! Could obviously use more bottle time but great with a little air even this young!!!
9.3
Jason and Jennie
Had the 15 DR Stephens Pinot tonight. Two years later, it is developing into everything I envisioned in their tasting room. Again, thank you for the introduction!
Had the 15 DR Stephens Pinot tonight. Two years later, it is developing into everything I envisioned in their tasting room. Again, thank you for the introduction!
9.3
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.