National Pinot Noir Day! — 24 days ago
Nice enough but not overly remarkable — 6 days ago
The 2022 Pinot Noir Dundee Hills wafts up a delicately spicy blend of dusty black cherries, ground cloves and dried roses. It is round and supple yet lifted in feel, with crisp red berry fruits elevated by a core of zesty acidity as hints of sour citrus add cheek-puckering tension. This tapers off long and perfumed with a bed of crunchy tannins that frames the experience remarkably well. I would never guess that the 2022 hails from a warm vintage. (Eric Guido, Vinous, August 2024)
— a month ago
A smoky blend of crushed raspberries, sage, cola and crushed stones creates a seductive bouquet as the 2019 Pinot Noir La Source comes to life in the glass. This is soft yet lifted in feel, with tart red and blue fruits that swirl throughout as violet inner florals resonate toward the close. The 2019 finishes perfumed and long with an air of lavender and a tart blackberry twang that lingers over a bed of well-rounded tannins. This is the first vintage in which Sashi Moorman was entirely happy with the structural balance achieved in the Pinot Noir La Source. I must admit, it's a compelling wine. (Eric Guido, Vinous, August 2024)
— a month ago
Grippy tannins. Still very young. Needs more time. — a month ago
David T
Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator
When TRB started this label, I thought a primarily Cabernet Winemaker is going to make Pinot Noir? I wondered how his first vintage would be and while it wasn’t bad by any means, it wasn’t what this 2014 Silver Eagle is at this point. TRB has/is honed/honing his craft. This 2014 will likely continue to improve a bit going forward over the next three years for sure & maybe five. This 14 Silver Eagle is definitely hitting its stride. The nose shows the blue & purple fruits I enjoy on the Pinots I prefer to drink.
The nose reveals nicely ripe blackberries, black raspberries, plum, baked cherries & strawberries, blueberries, mulberries, dry cranberry & raspberries hues on the glass edges. Mid berry cola/licorice, soft baking spices-clove, some nutmeg & vanillin, dark, Asian/Indian spice mix, light mix of fresh & dry herbs, dark rich soil w/ dry leaves, limestone, dry top soil with fresh & withering dark, red, blue florals framed in a fresh violet field.
The palate shows good mouthfeel & wire to wire consistency. Juicy, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, plum, baked cherries & strawberries, blueberry & mulberry tones, pomegranate, cranberry & raspberries hues. Mid berry cola/licorice, soft baking spices-clove, some nutmeg & vanillin, warm caramel, toast, steeped fruit tea, dark, Asian/Indian spice mix with deep palate penetration & heat, light mix of fresh & dry herbs, dark rich soil w/ dry leaves, dry brush, sandalwood, grey volcanics. wet clay, sandstone & limestone powder, dry top soil with fresh & withering dark, red, blue florals framed in a fresh violet field. The acidity is excellent with a long, elegant, well; balanced, tensioned & structured finish that lasts minutes and lands nicely on dark spice as it sets.
I really enjoy this vineyard and some of the Winemakers that make Pinot from it.
Plenty of life left in this one. 8-10 years well stored.
Photos of, Rivers-Marie facility (2), Owner/Winemaker-Thomas Rivers Brown & beautiful prime Pinot clusters ready for harvest. — 21 days ago