Riverain is the vision of three close friends who share a love of wine, the wine country, and a passion for developing wines that reflect the character of the prestigious sites from where they are grown.
After more than a decade of “visits" to the wine country to purchase hand crafted boutique wines, and to enjoy the spectacular scenery, Steve Nordhoff, Laurie Gray and Dean Gray decided to start the journey of creating a wine project that reflects their passion, past experiences, and love for the valley.
In 2010, Napa became further imbedded in our souls as the Gray’s purchased a home in Rutherford, not far from the Napa River. The intention of this home was to welcome family and friends, thus allowing them to enjoy the Napa experience firsthand. Riverain is a historical French term meaning “near the river" and also refers to a “local", and could not be a stronger reflection of how our partnership and lives have evolved over the past decade.
Coming exclusively from the famous Tench Vineyard in Oakville. Adjacent to Screaming Eagle RUDD, and Gargiulo along the Oakville Cross Road at the juncture of the Silverado Trail, we marvel at the color of the iron-rich soil and the rolling rows of vines each and every day we make the trip up or down the valley. These grapes absolutely thrive in this environment and who can question that? The neighborhood consists of the aforementioned wines plus Phelps Backus Vineyard, Dalla Valle, Tierra Roja & BOND St. Eden. The Oakville stamp is on this wine.
In its debut, the team behind Riverain charms us with their very first Reserve bottling, one they consider a refined beauty of their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep purple in color with aromas of blackberry, ripe plum and black currant. Scents of cocoa, licorice and spice jump out of the glass. The wine is full-bodied and wonderfully expressive in its youth, with firm tannins and a balanced freshness. The structure, both muscular and elegant, speaks to any palate. This little treasure is incredibly limited. Only 92 cases were made.
