Since establishing Senses in 2011, Myles, Max and I have focused on the dream of making wine that truly reflects the unique terroir of our hometown in Occidental, California– one of the best cool-climate growing regions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the world. We go to great lengths to ensure the quality of our vineyards, and thanks to the foresight of our families, we source grapes from exceptional Occidental Estates, including the renowned Thieriot, Hillcrest and Tanuda Ridge Vineyards.
However, quality grapes are only half of the equation needed to produce a great bottle of wine–the other half depends on the skill of the winemaker. For this reason, we are honored and excited to announce that esteemed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown has come to work for Senses.
Thomas, who will oversee the production of Senses’ 2013 vintage, has received multiple 100 point scores from The Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker and Wine Spectator’s James Laube, and was named “Winemaker of the Year” by Food & Wine in 2010. Thomas’ expertise with Burgundian varietals, combined with his love affair of Occidental’s extreme Sonoma Coast growing region (he is the winemaker and proprietor of Rivers-Marie Winery) make him a natural fit for Senses.
You’re probably wondering how we got involved with Thomas and to be honest, it all started while walking the Thieriot Vineyard in Occidental: “Part of what drew me to work for Senses,” says Thomas, “is the brand’s unique story; Chris, Max and Myles grew up as childhood friends in Occidental, and represent the next generation of winemaking on the Sonoma Coast.”
Please join Myles, Max and me in welcoming Thomas to the Senses team!