Located in the Santa Maria Valley, sandwiched between Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, Riverbench Vineyard has been growing stunning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir since first being planted in 1973. In 2004, local families purchased the property and began bottling some the fruit under the Riverbench moniker. Only 599 cases of their current release Pinot Noir were produced.
2010 Pinot Noir, Riverbench Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley $28 srp
Dense purple color. A round, velvet-draped nose of ripe, earth-dredged cherry compote. Generous, fecund bouquet with hints of beet root, smoke and spicy overtones. Flavors are raspberry-like, brisk and energized, with good acids keeping the alcohol in check. A mellow, tallow-like richness on the palate with woodsy elements among the refreshing finish. May develop further. Drink now-2016.
88/100 points
