Rivers-Marie
Bearwallow Vineyard Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley, North Coast, California, USA
After having the 2016 Silver Eagle last year, and the 2016 Summa last month (both of which were drinking fantastic) I wanted to take the Bearwallow for a spin.
I ended up having a small glass of this at pop to make sure it was sound, then poured about half out for some peoppe to try before corking and taking the remaining home to consume about an hour and a half later (so it got a decent amount of air).
This is my first experience with the Bearwallow offering, and it came across as somewhat ripe OR Pinot in profile. The fruit certainly isn’t big or in your face…much more restrained. Underripe black cherry and dark plums on the nose, but mostly in the background behind herbs, spice and dark floral notes. On the palate it is rich (as far as AV fruit goes) but there is a lot of earthy/mineral components, as well as black tea. The last glass was a touch more expressive, but with it being Anderson Valley, I'm not sure the fruit ever bulks up. I wonder if this wine is either meant to hold 7-10yrs, or is just meant for those who want a bridge to OR Pinot.
After having the 2016 Silver Eagle last year, and the 2016 Summa last month (both of which were drinking fantastic) I wanted to take the Bearwallow for a spin.
I ended up having a small glass of this at pop to make sure it was sound, then poured about half out for some peoppe to try before corking and taking the remaining home to consume about an hour and a half later (so it got a decent amount of air).
This is my first experience with the Bearwallow offering, and it came across as somewhat ripe OR Pinot in profile. The fruit certainly isn’t big or in your face…much more restrained. Underripe black cherry and dark plums on the nose, but mostly in the background behind herbs, spice and dark floral notes. On the palate it is rich (as far as AV fruit goes) but there is a lot of earthy/mineral components, as well as black tea. The last glass was a touch more expressive, but with it being Anderson Valley, I'm not sure the fruit ever bulks up. I wonder if this wine is either meant to hold 7-10yrs, or is just meant for those who want a bridge to OR Pinot.
Dark fruit, licorice, damp earth, and menthol. Sweet berry undertones throughout.
Dark fruit, licorice, damp earth, and menthol. Sweet berry undertones throughout.
Mar 23rd, 2019Raspberry, cranberry, a bit of baking spice and forest floor, and a sweet berry finish.
Raspberry, cranberry, a bit of baking spice and forest floor, and a sweet berry finish.
Jan 12th, 2019
A hugely promising wine, the 2016 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is fabulous. Rich, powerful and explosive, with notable fruit density, the Bearwallow is compelling. Inky red and purplish berry fruit and exotic spice notes are front and center. Even with all of its exuberance, the 2016 possesses tremendous structure and depth. Readers will have to be patient, as the Bearwallow does not seem to offer the early appeal of many the other wines in this range. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, April 2018)
A hugely promising wine, the 2016 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is fabulous. Rich, powerful and explosive, with notable fruit density, the Bearwallow is compelling. Inky red and purplish berry fruit and exotic spice notes are front and center. Even with all of its exuberance, the 2016 possesses tremendous structure and depth. Readers will have to be patient, as the Bearwallow does not seem to offer the early appeal of many the other wines in this range. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, April 2018)
Apr 26th, 2018
Fun to experience TRB’s winemaking with Anderson Valley fruit. Nose is lighter and more lifted than his Sonoma bottlings, yet still has the density and depth of fruit expected of his style. There’s a background radiation of higher acid from times past. At this age it’s all in balance with the savory and bright elements perfectly balancing Thomas’s extraction level. This might be peak. Drink up!
Fun to experience TRB’s winemaking with Anderson Valley fruit. Nose is lighter and more lifted than his Sonoma bottlings, yet still has the density and depth of fruit expected of his style. There’s a background radiation of higher acid from times past. At this age it’s all in balance with the savory and bright elements perfectly balancing Thomas’s extraction level. This might be peak. Drink up!
Jun 12th, 2022
Thought I was opening the Sonoma Coast…whoops. This is a very deep and condensed wine. Would love to try again in a couple of years.
Thought I was opening the Sonoma Coast…whoops. This is a very deep and condensed wine. Would love to try again in a couple of years.
Oct 19th, 2021
Solid, but I prefer the Summa Old Vines and Platt to the Bearwallow.
Solid, but I prefer the Summa Old Vines and Platt to the Bearwallow.
Oct 2nd, 2020
Definitely needs a decant. Fresh fruit profile focusing on pomegranate and cranberry. 
Definitely needs a decant. Fresh fruit profile focusing on pomegranate and cranberry. 
Jan 28th, 2020
Tons of depth! Nice balance of tannins, some raspberry. I wish I bought more...and my dog says hi!
Tons of depth! Nice balance of tannins, some raspberry. I wish I bought more...and my dog says hi!
Apr 6th, 2019Tried this one way too soon. Another 3-5 years will do it a world of good. Love the RM Pinot’s and this will be excellent down the road, just above average now.
Tried this one way too soon. Another 3-5 years will do it a world of good. Love the RM Pinot’s and this will be excellent down the road, just above average now.
Oct 28th, 2018