2010 Pinot Noir West Block
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby. Deeply pitched red and dark fruit aromas are complicated by licorice and violet pastille and incense. Stains the palate with intense black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors, gaining sweetness and breadth with air. Shows sexy oak spice and rose notes on the strikingly pure, powerful, very long finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Pinot Noir West Block is a deep, layered wine. Blackberry jam, exotic spices, black cherries, menthol and spices wrap around the palate. The West Block impresses for its sensual personality and long, pure finish. This is a decidedly plush, fruit-driven expression of Pinot. There is less aromatic delineation than in most of the other wines. Ultimately, the West Block will be enjoyed most by readers who enjoy opulent, explosive Pinots. There is no shortage of personality here.
The 2010 Pinot Noir West Block is a deep, layered wine. Blackberry jam, exotic spices, black cherries, menthol and spices wrap around the palate. The West Block impresses for its sensual personality and long, pure finish. This is a decidedly plush, fruit-driven expression of Pinot. There is less aromatic delineation than in most of the other wines. Ultimately, the West Block will be enjoyed most by readers who enjoy opulent, explosive Pinots. There is no shortage of personality here. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2020. I came away deeply impressed by the wines I tasted with Tom Rochioli. The 2010 Chardonnays are absolutely gorgeous. The cold, late-harvest provides a wonderful balance to the inherent richness that is typically present in the wines. Rochioli is one of the later growers to pick. The 2010 Chardonnays were fermented in barrel. Rochioli stirred the lees every week until January, then once every few weeks until the wines were moved to tank in July. The wines spent three weeks in tank and were bottled in August 2011. The Pinot Noirs are stunning in both 2009 and 2010. As is the case throughout the Sonoma Coast, the 2009s are more consistent across the board, but the best 2010s may very well prove to be superior. For now what is certain is that the 2010 Pinots show a level of verve and focus that is missing from the 2009s. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these big, exuberant Pinots. Tom Rochioli is a bit of recluse, which means his wines remain known only to a relatively small group of consumers. Prices are very reasonable considering the quality of what is in the bottle. Tel. (707) 433-2305