A passion project by one of California's foremost winemakers today. If you like Shraeder, Outpost, and Maybach, Thomas Rivers Brown is the one to thank. Though he is known for Cabernets, his Burgundy varietals are not to be missed. His focus with Rivers-Marie is precision and nuances that differentiate site-specificity. Thomas and his wife Genevive are looking at Burgundy as a model, picking the grapes a little earlier, using some whole cluster and neutral wood for aging. Given this restrained approach, it is unsurprising that the wines age so beautifully. 2021 was a rich vintage for the region. This Chardonnay shows flintiness and reserved tropical and citrus fruit notes. Round on the palate but with great balanced acidity, a small, waxy, lanolin note creeps up at the end, framed by lemon peel and a little fruit sweetness contributed by the vintage.

Grape: Chardonnay

Viticulture: Organic and sustainable methods