2003 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 200 cases, $70. Yield 1.0 tons per acre. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Good aroma volume with scents of dark red berries, crushed strawberries, cherries, earth and vanilla. Vibrant and fresh on the nose. Similar to the 2002 vintage, but a little less extracted, a little crisper and a little redder-themed in the fruit profile. Notes of earth, rosehips tea and anise add interest. Like the 2002 vintage, a very long finish of sweet plum is memorable. Aristocratic feel in the mouth with mild, firm tannins. Picks up intensity and interest over time in the glass and better later in the day from an opened and re-corked bottle. Balance predicts that this wine will maintain its nadir for a few more years. Reviewed October 4, 2011

Winery: J. Rochioli Vineyard & Winery
From article: Tasting J. Rochioli Pinot Noir