2005 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir East Block
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Tasting notes
Dark red. Complex aromas of cherry, boysenberry, dried flowers and Asian spices, with a bright mineral lift. Suave and creamy, with sweet red and dark berry flavors, a silky texture and outstanding palate coverage. Fresh and pure on the finish, which displays excellent depth, length and a persistent spice note. Rochioli says that this site was planted to "an unknown clone" in 1968 and that it's dying or pretty much dead and will soon be replanted to the West Block clone, which came from Wente. There are only 150 cases of this.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
There are 250 cases of the dark ruby-colored, more elegant, restrained, mineral-dominated 2005 Pinot Noir East Block. Produced from a cooler exposition, it reveals sweet raspberry and black cherry fruit, a crushed rock character, full body, and beautiful length as well as depth. Like most of these single vineyard offerings, it should drink well for a decade or more. Kudos to Tom Rochioli, one of the wine world’s great guys who, without any fanfare, continues to turn out world-class wines of extraordinary aromatic and flavor dimensions. Previously recommended: 2004 Chardonnay Estate (91), 2004 Chardonnay Rachael’s Vineyard (95), 2003 Chardonnay Rachael’s Vineyard (94), 2004 Chardonnay River Block (95), 2004 Chardonnay South River Vineyard (96), 2004 Pinot Noir East Block (95-97+), 2004 Pinot Noir Estate (91-93), 2004 Pinot Noir Little Hill Vineyard (95-97), 2004 Pinot Noir River Block (94-96), 2004 Pinot Noir West Block (96-98), 2004 Sauvignon Blanc Estate (90). Tel. (707) 433-2305; Fax (707) 433-2358