2011 Gary Farrell Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.58, 294 cases, $70. Release date February 2014. Sourced from several blocks in the 128-acre Rochioli Vineyard planted in 1974, 1995 and 2000. Very low crop size in this vintage due to delayed bud break and rain during the peak of flowering. 100% de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, aged 13 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of ripe dark cherries, cola and a hint of espresso. Light on its feet, even ephemeral in this vintage, with delicate flavors of black cherry, sassafras, cola and spice. Some intensity on the dry finish, but doesn’t deliver the punch that we have come to expect from this vineyard. Still, it is a very classy wine that could pick up intensity over time in the bottle. Kudos to the winemaker for bringing out the best the vineyard had to offer in this difficult vintage. Score: 90. Reviewed December 18, 2013

Winery: Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
From article: Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir