Riverbench
Showing 1 thru -9 of 18
Riverbench 2007 Mesa Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
- $50
This is an irresistibly delicious Pinot Noir. It shows the virtues of the vintage through flashy flavors of black cherry pie filling, red currants, cherry liqueur, orange zest, mocha, vanilla and cinnamon spice, wrapped into lush, silky tannins and brightened by firm acidity. Complex and compelling.
— S.H.
(8/1/2009)
Riverbench 2008 Chapel View Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $30
This valley in Santa Barbara County continues to prove its relevance to California Chardonnay, as proven once again by this dry, crisply elegant and decadently delicious wine. It bursts in the mouth with juicy pineapple, white peach and honeysuckle flavors, generously oaked, but is balanced in acidity and minerals.
— S.H.
(12/1/2010)
Riverbench 2008 Mesa Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
- $48
This has been Riverbench’s best Pinot and it still is. Shows the wonderful ability to be deliciously drinkable now, yet with the stuffing for the cellar. Dry and crisp and full-bodied, it shows berry, currants, mushroom, grilled meat and sandalwood flavors, dusted with Indian spices. Now–2015.
— S.H.
(12/1/2010)
Riverbench 2009 Mesa Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
- $48
The Mesa bottling has been a particular success for Riverbench in past vintages, and continues to be today. It’s made from a special block in the estate vineyard, and always is unusually concentrated in red fruits, licorice and crushed baking spices, generously coated in sweet oak. It’s a beautiful, silky wine of great charm and finesse. Drink now–2015.
— S.H.
(2/1/2012)
Riverbench 2011 Bedrock Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
- $24
This never went through malolactic fermentation, resulting in a beautiful, food-friendly offering. First noticed is the brisk acidity that’s like a squeeze of sweet Meyer lemon, brightening the tropical fruit and pear flavors. Then the wine’s intensity and complexity sink in, leading to a long, spicy finish. Pair this with Asian fare.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)
Riverbench 2006 Pinot Noir (Santa Maria Valley)
- $36
Light and silky, with sweet, ripe cherry, red currant, licorice, Chinese five-spice and cinnamon flavors, and earthier notes of beef bouillon and heirloom tomato. Drink now.
— S.H.
(10/1/2008)
Riverbench 2006 Bedrock Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
- $24
This is an unoaked Chardonnay, but it’s so rich and forward in fruit, you may not even miss that smoky wood edge. Explodes with pineapple, peach, pear, apple, vanilla, honey and dusty spice flavors.
— S.H.
(10/1/2008)
Riverbench 2008 Reserve Chardonnay (Santa Maria Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $32
This is a decadently rich Chardonnay, although it depends for its appeal mainly on oak and ripe fruit, rather than nuance. Explodes with pineapple jam, golden mango, crème brûlée, buttered toast, honey and cinnamon spice flavors. Ready now.
— S.H.
(12/1/2010)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 18
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