Rivers-Marie Occidental Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, USA 2024

Occidental Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir is one of the most structured and age-worthy wines in the Rivers-Marie portfolio, showcasing the remarkable precision and power of this iconic Occidental vineyard site. Planted to Dijon clones on the cool western Sonoma Coast, Occidental Ridge consistently produces wines of intense concentration, vibrant acidity, and distinctive aromatic complexity. The 2024 vintage opens with layered aromas of black cherry, wild raspberry, pennyroyal mint, pine needle, toasted spice, and crushed herbs, accented by subtle floral and earthy undertones. On the palate, it is dense yet beautifully lifted, with concentrated dark red fruit framed by firm tannins and a bright mineral spine that gives the wine exceptional tension and focus. The finish is long, savory, and remarkably persistent, revealing the site’s signature balance of richness and freshness. Powerful, precise, and built for long-term cellaring, this is a benchmark Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and one of the standout bottlings of the 2024 Rivers-Marie release.

"The 2024 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard is a gorgeous, sensual wine. Soft contours and silky tannins immediately convey finesse. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, pomegranate, mint, cinnamon and kirsch caress the palate. The 10% stems are not at all evident. All the elements are impeccably balanced. In this range, the Occidental Ridge is a total showstopper." Vinous 96