2006 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir East Block
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Tasting notes
Bright red. Vibrant strawberry and raspberry on the nose, with exotic spices and fresh rose adding complexity. Juicy and lively, with brisk red berry flavors, silky texture and building ripeness. More dark fruits than red on the finish, which delivers terrific flavor impact without unnecessary weight. Leaves a wide swath of raspberry and blackberry in its wake.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Pinot Noir East Block (one of Rochioli’s cooler vineyard sites) reveals pure cherry and raspberry aromas interwoven with floral and crushed rock characteristics. Medium-bodied with some tannin to be resolved, it possesses outstanding ripeness, purity, and overall texture. In 2006, there is even a smaller amount of wine from Tom Rochioli than usual. Yields were so small and there was so little wine from the Three Corner Vineyard that it was blended with the East Block Pinot. Rochioli sells the majority of the fruit from their 140 acres of vineyards in the Russian River to other producers, which I find remarkable given the quality of what winemaker Tom Rochioli is able to achieve in addition to his superb vineyard sites. Previously recommended: 2005 Chardonnay Estate (92), 2005 Chardonnay Rachael’s Vineyard (96), 2005 Chardonnay River Block (95), 2005 Chardonnay South River (94), 2005 Pinot Noir East Block (94), 2005 Pinot Noir Estate (91), 2005 Pinot Noir Little Hill Vineyard (94), 2005 Pinot Noir Three Corner Vineyard (93), 2005 Pinot Noir West Block (97). Tel. (707) 433-2305; Fax (707) 433-2358