Press & Trade

Press

'California’s West Sonoma Coast Earns its Own AVA'

Wine Enthusiast

“Second-generation Thieriot, Max Thieriot, who grew up in Occidental, founded Senses Wines with childhood friends, Christopher Strieter and Myles Lawrence-Briggs in 2011 and are making exquisite coastal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.”

'Sonoma County 2020 Report'

Jeb Dunnuck

“I was able to meet with Christopher Strieter of Senses Wines the day the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) approved the appellation of the West Sonoma Coast. Christopher was instrumental in organizing the region’s growers (and for gathering their wines for this report).”

'Senses Wines New Releases'

The Wine Independent by Lisa Perotti-Brown MW

“Five years ago, I first picked Senses Wines out of a vast line-up of Chardonnays and Pinots at a regional tasting hosted by Sonoma County Vintners. Steadily tasting through the long rows of randomly placed 2015 Chardonnays and Pinots, their wines repeatedly stopped me in my tracks. I’d never heard of Senses Wines before. The following year, I was equally impressed with their 2016s. Circling back to reviewing the wines of Sonoma this year, this is the rising star label I was most excited to rediscover.”

"Wine Ink: Notes from the Coast"

Aspen Times

“This trio has made their mark in the West Sonoma Coast in just over a decade by committing to a very Burgundian model of trusting the land as their North star and focusing on producing wines that speak of their place of origin. Now that place has an official designation and Senses will play a role as the West Sonoma Coast becomes even better known for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines of substance it can produce. “We are so proud to grow grapes in this, the place where we grew up in and it’s just an honor to be a part of this growth in the region.” Strieter says of the new appellation that Senses Wines is a part of.”

'A Sense of Place'

Hallgarten & Novum Wines UK

“Sometimes wine has the capacity to delight. Sometimes it has the capacity to surprise. And sometimes it has the capacity to amaze. We’re at the Senses Wines vineyard in Sonoma County with owner Christopher Lloyd Strieter.”

'The Occidental boys and Senses Wines'

Napa Valley Register

“Every vintner has a story to tell about the history of the winery and the property not to mention their personal involvement and those of the team surrounding the brand. But, every once in a while a truly moving and almost magical story comes my way.”

'Sonoma: Looking at the 2019s'

Jeb Dunnuck

“This is another magical Chardonnay from the team that does everything right.”

'Sonoma: 2021 New Releases'

Vinous: Antonio Galloni

“The 2019 Pinot Noir Day One is the standout among these 2019 Pinots from Senses Wines. The aromatics alone are captivating. Rose petal, blood orange, mint, star anise and sweet red berry fruit literally soar out of the glass. The balance of fruit, aromatics and structure is beguiling. This is impressive.”

'Wines of the West Sonoma Coast Vintners'

Jeb Dunnuck

“99 points. The 2018 Chardonnay B.A. Thieriot comes from a great vineyard located far out on the Sonoma Coast and was aged 14 months in 25-40% new French oak. It offers a more marine-influenced bouquet, with lots of salty minerality as well as notes of sliced green apple, white peach, toasted almonds, and toasted bread. Made in a more steely, racy style, it still has gorgeous concentration, flawless balance, and a great finish. This is a serious Chardonnay. Give bottles another year or two, and it’s going to evolve for a decade.”

'Three Childhood Friends Rock Sonoma Coast Wines'

Forbes

“Nine years ago, when they were 22 years old, three childhood friends from the town Occidental in Sonoma County, California, decided to produce wine. Today, their business is booming, while the wait list for their vintages grows.”

'USA, California, Sonoma: 2017 Vintage Part 1 – The Great Divide'

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“2017 does offer some wonderful success stories. Producers at the top of their game—Williams Selyem, Arista, Martinelli, Cobb, Dutton, Ferren, Ramey, Hirsch, Senses Wines, Saxon Brown and others—have produced some gorgeous wines.”

'Rebuilding Wine Country, Eight Cottages at a Time'

Wine & Spirits Magazine

“Within days, Christopher Strieter, Max Thieriot and Myles Lawrence-Briggs of Senses Wines in Occidental created Rebuild Wine Country, partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build and repair structures after the fires. This October, their efforts began to turn into homes.”

'SEAL Team’s Max Thieriot ready to continue journey'

Inside Ottowa Valley

“It’s a lot of work,” said Thieriot. “There’s so many challenges to it. It’s time consuming for sure. We started making 100 cases and now we make a few thousand. It’s kind of grown exponential and turned into something that we never really envisioned it becoming. It’s good, but the demand is now higher on us because of that. Arguably, we have one of the greatest winemakers in the United States … who sort of oversees the operation and head of our winemaking. We focus on the business a lot, focus on the vineyards … this point the expectations have gotten high. So we got to make sure we can constantly deliver.”

'Senses Wines team named Wine Enthusiast's Top 40 Under 40'

Wine Enthusiast Magazine

“Founded by Senses Wines, which Strieter began in 2011 with two childhood friends, Rebuild Wine Country’s charitable efforts aid Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Solano and Mendocino Counties. More than $1 million has been raised toward a $5 million goal.”

'Senses Wines: Building a Wine Brand from Scratch'

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

“The Senses wines have become highly sought after and allocated. Although new customers bump into a waitlist, the trio doesn’t feel the need to rush increased production. “We want to grow sustainably,” Chris says. “There’s no need to push to make more wine.” Myles nods. “We also don’t have the yields to sustain large-scale production,” he says. “From a farming standpoint, that’s hard to do. Being on the coast, you’ll be socked in with fog for a month at a time. The weather is our greatest challenge.” Max adds, “We try to honor those who have supported us from the beginning, because relationships are everything. You’re only as good as your word.” “