About five miles from our winery, up the gently winding Westside Road, the 162-acre Rochioli Vineyard was originally purchased in 1938 by Joe Rochioli, Sr. The vision of growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay along these fertile, gravelly soils was carried out by Joe Jr. after his father’s passing in 1966. Of the 128 planted acres on the Rochioli Vineyard, half is planted to various clones of Pinot Noir, where some of the vines come from cuttings taken from the original “mother” block planted in 1968. At a time when Pinot Noir was virtually unknown here in the Russian River Valley, Joe Rochioli Jr. was ahead of his time in selecting the Pommard clone for these initial plantings.
Cherry and red fruit driven, layered with rose petal, a hint of fresh herbs, and warming notes of cardamom, Rochioli Vineyard never disappoints. On the palate, Bing cherry, hibiscus tea, and slightly-underripe wild blackberry bring energy and depth, carried by a beautifully rich mouthfeel and lifted by zesty acidity. Dusty, polished tannins and a subtle mineral edge add intrigue through a long, silky finish that feels both vibrant now and built for the cellar. Pairs well with friends and family gathered close, soft music in the background, and a long evening of togetherness.
93 Wine Enthusiast Fresh Bing cherry, chopped herb, rose petal, and clove aromas swirl on the nose of this Pinot. The palate leans into dark berries and earth, with zesty orange peel acidity and notions of flowers and chopped lemon verbena at the finish.
