Team C&J
We love the wines of Thomas Rivers Brown. The last wine we tried from Rivers Brown, a 2021 Mending Wall “Mortar & Stone”, was exceptional. You can imagine how excited we were to dive into this stunning 2020 Aston Estate Pinot Noir, a single vineyard Pinot, by the way, crafted from grapes grown in a pristine Sonoma Coast vineyard. If you’re a California Pinot Noir lover who can’t get enough of wines with palates of juicy black cherry, warm cedar and a touch of spice, you are going to love this wine.
Join us as we explore the magic behind this impressive Pinot Noir from Aston Estate and acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.
Aston Estate was created by prominent vintner Fred Schrader (of Schrader Cellars) and superstar winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. The pair, who have long had an incredibly successful working relationship, began collaborating on Aston Estate in 2001 when they purchased 40 vineyard acres just north of Occidental, California, in the town of Annapolis.
Both Fred and Thomas are known for their highly touted Cabernet Sauvignons – their Schrader Cellars wines sell for between $250 to $600 a bottle, so entering into the Aston Estate vineyard began somewhat experimentally, and turned into another home run.
If you hang around the California wine scene long enough, you’re bound to hear the name Thomas Rivers Brown.
Thomas Rivers Brown is a giant in California winemaking, and his name is associated with some of Napa Valley and Sonoma County’s best wineries. Cabernet Sauvignons, which Rivers Brown preferred wines for most of his career. With talents going to support mega wine brands like Schrader Cellars, Maybach Family Vineyards, Revana Family Vineyard, as well as Outpost, Hestan Vineyards, Tom Seaver, and Diamond Terrace. Today, his client list is estimated to be over 40 wineries.
While Cabernet Sauvignon is what pays the bills, accounting for roughly 85% of his production, lately Thomas has been exploring other popular California varieties like Zinfandel and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.
The Aston Estate Pinot Noir vineyard is located in Annapolis, California, which is part of the Sonoma Coast AVA. This sprawling AVA is home to over 500,000 acres of vineyards and includes properties from as far south as Petaluma and as far north as the coastal town of Sea Ranch.
Aston Estate is just five miles from the coast, so the Pinot Noir grapes grown here benefit from a strong coastal influence and will never become “overripe.” The microclimate here is just about perfect for growing Burgundian grapes. Combine that with Goldridge Loam soil, which is coveted by California winemakers for its similarities to the best soils in Burgundy, and you’ve got the makings of a fantastic wine region.
Crafted by Thomas Rivers Brown, the 2020 Aston Estate Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast is a bold take on the varietal. A deep ruby core hints at its richness, while the nose offers black cherry alongside surprising notes of olive, rhubarb, and earthy tones. On the palate, medium acidity and pronounced flavors of black cherry and olive are met with a noticeable warmth from higher alcohol and significant oak influence, evident in cedar, cigar box, and smoke. This full-bodied Pinot Noir is a powerful expression that leans towards the richer end of the spectrum, likely appealing to those who enjoy a bolder style.
The 2020 Aston Estate Pinot Noir is a very good wine from a winemaker whose talents are attached to some of California’s best known wines. While we like this Pinot Noir, you can really taste the oakiness (the wood) on the palate. It doesn’t necessarily take away from the quality or how the wine drinks, it just tastes a bit different than you might expect a Sonoma Coast Pinot to greet your palate.
Who owns Aston Estate?
Aston Estate is owned by Fred Schrader and Thomas Rivers Brown. The pair created Aston Estate winery in 2001.
What wine does Thomas Rivers Brown make?
Thomas Rivers Brown works with over 40 wineries to make everything from Cabernet Sauvignon (the wines he is best known for), to Zinfandels and Pinot Noir. Some of his most famous clients include Schrader Cellars and Maybach Family Vineyards. He also has his own personal line of wines called Rivers-Marie. Rivers Brown’s wines have garnered more 100 point scores than any other US winemaker.
USA
Sonoma Coast
Pinot Noir
14.5
Thomas Rivers Brown
62–68°F / 16–20°C
Pinot Noir
60 Minutes
Now to 2035
Aston Estate
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