2007 Rivers-Marie Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir: Dense reddish, ruby, purple color, with just a touch of transparency toward the stem. Intense, precise nose of red and black fruit, a bit of jam, strong spices like sandalwood. Wow. Extremely complex for a $25 bottle of wine. Smooth mouth feel with very nice acidity and balanced strawberry-like finish. This is an amazing value. Very high quality wine.
2007 Siduri Sonoma County Pinot Noir: Very similar colors as the RM, a little less dense and a little more transparent toward the stem. Classic pinot scents again, red and black fruits, but with a touch of stones or mineral which the RM did not have. Palate is less concentrated and silky, less strawberry and more pomegranate, a bit less acidity. Gained a little wait over a few hours. Not at the level of the RM but still a great deal at $21.50. One of the best, if not the best, pinots available in at the price in any quantity (1,374 cases) which can be found at retail. In contrast, only 225 cases of the RM were made and unless you’re on the RM mailing list it will be very difficult to find on the secondary market and probably at least twice the price.
Rob