2012 Riverbench Pinot Noir Estate
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Musky cherry pit and red berries on the nose, with hints of cola and Asian spices adding complexity. Juicy red fruit and rose pastille flavors are accented by a jolt of white pepper that gains strength on the back half. The cola note comes back on the finish, which lingers with excellent tenacity and smooth tannins.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
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Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the 2012 Pinot Noir Estate comes all from the alluvial soils of the Riverbench vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak, it offers classic Pinot Noir flair with its black raspberry, mulberry, underbrush, sweet spice and forest floor-like aromas and flavors. Balanced, supple and delicious, drink it over the coming 2-4 years. These solid efforts are made by Clarissa Nagy (of Nagy Wines). They’re well-made and have classic, textbook profiles. Tel. (805) 937-8340; www.riverbench.com
An exquisite, layered wine, the 2012 Pinot Noir Estate is laced with sweet red berries, cinnamon, mint and spices. This delicate, perfumed Pinot impresses for the purity of its fruit and its gorgeous overall balance. First-rate Pinot Noir is never inexpensive. This is about as good as it gets for the money.