Sep 182012
 
2010 Riverbench Pinot Noir, Estate Grown, Santa Maria Valley, Ca, $28 (S) – Rating 90

An easy drinking Pinot Noir at a very good price. Medium-full bodied with a nose of blueberry, raspberry and spice box. Well-balanced palette of flavors offering dark cherry, raspberry, ripe plum, and blueberry with a good dose of spiciness and acidity. Notes of leather and smoke on the finish add complexity. Buy This Wine

Jul 292012
 
2011 Riverbench Bedrock Chardonnay, Estate Grown and Bottled, Santa Maria Valley, Ca, $24 (S) – Rating 89

A lovely balance of stainless steel fermentation crispness and malolactic fermentation roundness. The nose opens with notes pear and tropical fruits. The palate experience flavors of apple, pineapple pear and lots of crisp tropicals. Sur-lies aging adds to the creamy soft mouth-feel. Plenty of crisp acidity to pair with lighter summer fare. The finish could be longer.