Step aside DRC, here comes DRCA!

Well, we’re politely asking Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (like $40,000 a pop, no kidding) to acknowledge this exclusive Domaine de la Rivière of CA beauty. Especially when you can steal it today for LESS THAN A THOUSANDTH of that.

Sure, claiming a comparison would be a long stretch, but the venn diagram does cross over in one key section - they’re both are killer Pinots. One is from the most prime dirt in Burgundy, the other is from equally prime dirt in the Russian River Valley. Between us, they also share that particular Vosne-Romanée clone…

Careful Ops may recall our very first Sonoma County Barrel Auction lot we won was a collaboration between this very same relatively newcomer Domaine de la Rivière and Tolosa, the lesser-known sister winery of Napa’s Alpha Omega. The fruit sources were identical to today’s feature: Starr Ridge, El Diablo, and Vineyard eleven Estate, all in the Middle Reach aka. the ‘tenderloin’ of Russian River Valley.

As The Tasting Panel explains, “Domaine de la Rivière has been growing grapes in the RRV since 2011 and started making its own wines in 2017. With an annual production of just 1,000 cases as of 2022, it’s one of the smallest wineries in the RRV. The estate grown Pommard clone grapes for its Pinot Noir come from Heritage Block Vineyard 11, situated east of Eastside Road in Middle Reach. This site is warmer than both the Flax Estate and Rochioli vineyards.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate adds that “this neighborhood is home to the oldest plantings of Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley, including Rochioli’s famed West Block that was planted in 1969” with neighbors including Williams Selyem, Copain, and Baciagalupi - the family who grew one of the historic winners of The Judgement of Paris in 1976. Hello, France, do you hear that?

Oh, and the winemaker here is Kale Anderson who cut his teeth at Colgin, Terra Valentine, Cliff Lede, and Pahlmeyer before starting his own, and currently consults for just a select few wineries. Beyond the accolades below, this Pinot has a Double Gold from the San Francisco Chronicle and rated 5/5 Stars, Exceptional by Master of Wine Ronn Wiegand’s Restaurant Wine publication.

An extremely aromatic nose of black raspberry, crushed blackberry, dark chocolate, and cracked pepper is followed by a vibrant and deep palate, with fresh flavors of wild dark berries, and dark chocolate. The finish is very persistent, with nuances of new oak as warm and sweet baking spices. Such a classy Pinot!

Have faith, this is WAY worth the $75 release price. With the half-off on top, it’s a genuine bargain. You will thank us with the first sip.

92 Points – Wine Spectator

“Plump and juicy, with an open-knit feel to the engaging plum, black cherry and mulberry notes, while fruitcake and sous-bois accents score the finish. Delivering a lot of fun fruit right now. Drink now through 2029.”

90 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“From a selection of vineyards, including El Diable, Starr Ridge and the producer’s estate, this ethereal red is exuberant in raspberry, strawberry, black tea and forest notes. With a sidebar of caramel and coffee, it takes on a rich, oaky finish.”

90 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2019 Pinot Noir Middle Reach Vineyards is mid-weight and elegant, yet beautifully balanced and charming as can be. Spiced cherries, strawberries, spice, and floral notes all emerge from the glass. and it’s medium-bodied and seamless.”