Rochioli is one of the true pioneers in Russian River Valley, with a winemaking history dating back to the the late 1950′s. In 1987 Rochioli released their first estate wine, the 1985 Rochioli Pinot Noir. Although best known for their world class Pinot Noir, Rochioli also produces remarkable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
The West Block Vineyard grapes come from a 1.5 acre parcel of Rochioli Vineyard that was planted in 1969.
The winery recently published a detailed map of the Estate Vineyard that is required viewing for fans of the winery.
Light crimson in color. 14.2% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, cloves and wet forest floor. Medium body with medium to strong acidity. Light and ethereal. Bing cherries, cranberries and sassafras on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long. Extremely well made Pinot Noir that clearly outperforms most of the Russian River Valley Pinots from this somewhat disappointing vintage. Year in and year out this is one my favorite Rochioli SVD’s and the ’04 is no exception. Drink over the next year or so.
My rating: 93 points.
The single vineyard designate Pinots are released each Fall and are only available to long time mailing list members.
At present time (and for the foreseeable future) buying from Rochioli via the mailing list is not an option. The Estate wines do show up at retail periodically, and the winery’s Russian River Valley tasting room is still open for public tasting. They may only be pouring a couple of wines, but it’s a great opportunity to buy a bottle for a picnic on their lovely patio and a few more to bring home for the cellar.
I’ve blogged about Rochioli previously in the The 2017 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and the Fab 5 of Mailing Lists.
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