Riverbench Estate Pinot Noir 2018

Sale $29.99 – Beats Best US Price!

Buy six or more pay $26.99

92 pts Vinous

Okay, I think we have finally moved past the notion that California Pinot and Oregon Pinot are unique styles. There are some Oregon Pinots that hit 15% alcohol and are loaded with oak, just as there are California Pinots that sit at 12.5% alcohol and are pure expressions of the grape.

I’m not saying there aren’t climatic differences… there are. But one needs to understand the specifics of a wine and where it is grown, rather than making broad generalizations (and purchase decisions).

Case in point is this gem from Riverbench.

The winery is situated in the Santa Maria Valley, part of the broader Santa Barbara County wine region. Many drinkers first thought is, “Southern California… must be warm and ultra-ripe, right?” Actually, no… the Santa Maria Valley is “transverse”, with an east-west orientation that funnels cool ocean air and evening fog. The result is a growing season average temperature identical to that of Willamette Valley in Oregon. Identical.

And yet, Santa Maria is a small appellation by comparison, roughly 1/6th the size of Willamette. And, for a myriad of reasons, Santa Maria Valley is still a relatively little-known wine region. I struggle to recall the last time someone came asking for a bottle specifically from the region.

Put it all together, and we find remarkably perfumed, complex and elegant Pinot Noirs that sell for a song! Compare this beauty with other 92 pt-rated Pinots from Oregon… Archer Summit Arcus ($125) , Torii Mor White Rose ($100), Owen Roe Merriman ($85), Bergstrom Silice ($75), and on and on.

Heck, Santa Maria Valley doesn’t even get as much street cred as its neighbor, Santa Rita Hills. Maybe it’s the proximity to Santa Barbara, or maybe they have a better PR department, because similarly-rated Pinots from Santa Rita sell for way more than this baby… Racines Sanford & Benecdict ($100), Tantara Evelyn ($90), Margerum Sanford & Benedict ($82), Paul Lato Seabiscuit ($75), and the list goes on.

The bottom line is this is a steal. I’ve got loads more to say… but let’s just get to the wine now, shall we?

“The 2018 Pinot Noir Estate Grown is redolent of cedar, crushed autumn leaves, dried rose petals and star anise, all of which give it striking aromatic nuance. There is a feeling of ethereal weightlessness to the 2018 that is quite appealing. Lively acids bring out the brighter side of the sweet red cherry fruit. Beautifully lifted and perfumed in the glass, the 2018 is a winner.” Vinous

“This Pinot Noir is our flagship; a way to really showcase Riverbench Vineyard. Each year, we carefully select the clones and barrel lots that will make up this bottling so that it combines the best qualities of all different parts of the property. After nine months in barrel to develop amazing complexity and deliciousness, the wine is fresh and bright, and very typical for the Santa Maria Valley. The palate boasts juicy red fruit flavors that meld nicely with a hint of our signature Riverbench smoke and clove. Try it with duck breast with pear relish or anything that involves mushrooms.”

Sure, let’s try it! Duck breasts are ridiculously easy to cook, so click on the pic for a recipe for Seared Duck Breasts with Wild Mushrooms.


Or reply. The wine is available now in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.