The 2008 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Little Hill Vineyard was the winning bottle in the October Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. We drank this on Halloween night while passing out candy.
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 winery has published a detailed map of the Estate Vineyard that is required viewing for fans of the winery.
Little Hill Vineyard is a small 2.8 acre parcel of Rochioli Vineyard planted in 1993 from West Block Vineyard cuttings.
Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, cloves, baking spices and forest floor. Medium to full body with exquisite acidity. Tremendous purity of fruit and perfect balance. There is an earth quality too the wine that is immensely appealing. Cherry, cranberry, cola and soil on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Gorgeous Pinot Noir that puts Little Hill in the conversation of the top single vineyard designates from Rochioli. About as good as it gets from the Russian River Valley. Best over the next 2-4 years.
My rating: 96 points.
The 2019 version of this wine was released just a month or so ago to the mailing list.
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 by appointment. 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 2020 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and the Fab 5 of Mailing Lists.