“These rich, powerhouse wines are made by Thomas Rivers Brown. They don’t come cheap, but they’re brilliant wines across the board.” – Jeb Dunnuck

Guess what, Jeb, in a way, today they do!

Much as Schrader is famous for pedal-to-the-metal Napa Cabs, they have quietly been churning equally majestic Pinot Noirs from a site overlooking Marcassin, the OG cult Pinot.

Wine Spectator has the story: “Fred and Carol Schrader’s new label could easily have been called Boars’ View of Marcassin, because that’s the story behind its name. The Schraders’ Boars’ View looks out at Marcassin (which is French for young wild boar), the adjacent vineyard and winery owned by Helen Turley and John Wetlaufer in the Fort Ross-Seaview appellation of Sonoma Coast. It’s in a remote, tree-shrouded area, a few miles inland from the Pacific, but clearly warm enough to fully ripen grapes… Fred Schrader, who considers Helen Turley among California’s most influential winemakers, observed the development of Marcassin and purchased the property next to them before planting it five years ago.”

It’s all about what Fred Schrader finds in Thomas Rivers Brown, quoted per Wine Spectator “His biggest asset is that he’s amazingly intuitive. He has a sixth sense about the vineyard, when to pick and when to drop fruit. He has ‘Helenesque’ attention to details.”

Speaking of… my oh my. The stunning package aside, this dark plum to bright garnet in colored beauty boasts elegant floral and spice tones of the Fall kind… Vosne-Romanée reminiscent raspberries, forest floor, and violets. Medium to full-bodied, broad, fleshy, complex, and provocative, this is truly a Grand Cru-styled Pinot Noir, to drink now and will continue to provide immense pleasure for at least another decade. A bona fide showstopper…

You pull this one on a friend who “likes” Pinots and convert them into an instant fanatic. It’s that kind of a bottle of wine.

Once $125 to the mailing list, this wine is NEVER seen under $100, and easily hits the $150+ per bottle average. Highs above $250 are not uncommon for this library vintage, this is the lowest you’ll ever see it.

As in while it lasts.

98 Points – California Wine Advisors

“This brand new release is another BLOCKBUSTER that opulent Pinot enthusiasts are going to adore. The alluring bouquet displays stunning aromas of red roses, creme de cassis, cherries, and baking spices such as cardamom and nutmeg. A majestic wine now, with great promise for the future. Currently, layers of dark berries, black plum, pomegranate, and hints of creamy oak charm the palate. Prime to enjoy now (decanting recommended prior to 2024) and savor the thrill ride anytime through 2027+.”

93+ Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“High levels of forest and spice notes emerge from the 2017 Pinot Noir The Coast, which shows the more focused, savory style of the 2017 vintage nicely. Plenty of black cherry, toasted bread, baking spice, and forest floor, medium to full body, and rock-solid overall balance all make for a beautiful Pinot Noir. It will keep for at least 10-12 years. Drink 2020-2032.”