2012 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir River Block Vineyard

Hard candy, sweet red berries, spices and mint are all laced together in the 2012 Pinot Noir River Block, a wine that stands out for its racy, silky personality. The aromas are quite floral, perfumed and sweet throughout in a Pinot that is already open for business. This parcel is always picked a little riper than the others, which Rochioli feels is necessary to have the right balance of flavors. The River Block is an excellent choice for drinking over the next handful of years.

The dense ruby/purple-colored, mineral-laced 2012 Pinot Noir River Block offers more plum, Asian spice and floral characteristics as well as hints of forest floor and wet stone. With considerable power, it builds incrementally on the palate, finally opening to reveal a full-bodied, intense mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 8-10 years. Most knowledgeable people in the wine world have enormous respect for the integrity, honesty and exceptionally high quality of the wines emanating from the Rochioli Vineyards in the Russian River area. Currently, Tom Rochioli runs the show, and if you are not on their mailing list, chances are you only have an opportunity to purchase their Estate Chardonnay, Estate Pinot Noir, and possibly their Sauvignon Blanc. Mailing list customers have access to their best single vineyard wines. The consistency of these wines, even in less than ideal vintages, has been remarkable over my career. When I saw Tom Rochioli in October, he was thrilled with what 2012 had provided, and was even more excited by the fact that 2013 may be even better. The Pinot Noirs are largely produced from different clonal materials, and each parcel represents different blocks within the Rochioli estate vineyards. Tel. (707) 433-2305