WTN: Happy Occident

[Jenise]

2012 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard Sonoma Coast
More like counoise or even grenache than PN with tangy sour cherry and red currant fruit, persimmon, cardamom and clove. Mild iodine note lingers in the background. Not what I seek out, but I enjoyed it.

[David M. Bueker]

Mmm...cardamom

Got the 2018 Occidental in cellar. Many at an event I attended seemed to prefer the Summa, I had to be different. Also 3 Sonoma Coast 2018 in purchase. R-M seems to require the purchase of one upper tier wine to receive the 3 entry-level. So be it. Made my decision.

[Jenise]

Pat, I bought a friend's allocation one year. Unfortunately for me, it was a relatively fat year-- 2012--and my expectations were based on an ethereal bottle of 2011, oh gosh, can't think of the name, something-Eagle?, I'd ordered in a restaurant. Of those I opened early the Occidental was the most structured and I didn't form a favorite. These essentially shut down by about 2016 and are only starting to open up again. If you don't drink your '18 by 2022, don't plan on drinking it until 2026 minimum.

Helpful as always, Jenise. Planned for 2028 as of now. Gee, maybe I kinda know what I'm doing.