J. Rochioli Vineyard & Winery

Articles About J. Rochioli Vineyard & Winery

Reviewed Wines

2017 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery Little Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $86. · Moderately deep garnet color in the glass. Reserved aromas of black cherry and underbrush upon opening. The nose comes alive the following day when sampled from a previously opened bottle with soaring aromas of Bing cherry and cola. Mid weight plus in sap, offering a hedonistic flow of black cherry and cola flavors that are expansive in the mouth. Very fine-grain tannins are balanced with a good acid backbone and there is a noticeably long finish. More suave and revealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle showing outstanding harmony. Three to five years in the cellar will bring out the best in this beauty. Score: 96. Reviewed May 3, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery Sweetwater Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

1 4.5% alc., $86. · Moderately deep garnet color in the glass. Very reserved aromas of dark red cherry and spice upon opening. Mid weight flavors of dark red cherry and strawberry with a bit of spice. The wine is lifted by good acidity and tamed by velvety tannins. A slight touch of oak plies the background. Much more expressive on the nose and palate when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle showing admirable elegance. This wine has a younger vine character compared to the Little Hill bottling which shows the complexity and structure that comes with older vines. Still, it is a damn good wine. Score: 95. Reviewed May 3, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery River Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $90. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Unreal aromas of dark cherry, Asian 5-spice and musk. A luscious array of middleweight red and black cherry flavors saturate the mid palate and persist over an unbelievably long, sit-up-in-your-chair finish. In all my years of tasting Pinot Noir, I have rarely come across a wine with such a lengthy finish. There are many subtleties to be discovered including flavors of spice, sassafras and complimentary oak. This superb wine gives even more pleasure when tasted several hours after opening. Score: 96. Reviewed May 3, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery Three Corner Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $90. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose opens slowly over a few hours to reveal very enticing aromas of red and black cherry, baking spices and forest floor. Mid weight plus in concentration with flavors of blackberry and black raspberry that make a powerful statement. A little rugged, rustic and earthy early on but when sampled several hours later, the unctuous fruit was more amendable yet still a little earthy. The tannins are quite easygoing, the texture is soft and the finish has very good length although not quite as long as the 2017 River Block. Score: 95. Reviewed May 3, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery Three Corner Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $90. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose opens slowly over a few hours to reveal very enticing aromas of red and black cherry, baking spices and forest floor. Mid-weight plus in concentration with flavors of blackberry and black raspberry that make a powerful statement. A little rugged, rustic and earthy early on but when sampled several hours later, the unctuous fruit was more amendable and vivid. The tannins were quite easygoing, the texture was soft and the finish had unusual potency and staying power. Score: 95. Reviewed August 27, 2020 ARTICLE »

2017 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery Three Corner Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $90. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose opens slowly over a few hours to reveal very enticing aromas of red and black cherry, baking spices ad forest floor. Mid-weight plus in concentration with flavors of blackberry, black raspberry and black cherry that make a powerful statement. A little rugged, rustic and earthy early on but when sampled several hours later, the unctuous fruit was more amendable and vivid. The tannins were quite easygoing, the texture was soft, and the finish had unusual potency and staying power. Tasted twice in May and August 2020 with consistent findings. Score: 95. Reviewed August 22, 2021 ARTICLE »

2015 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 228 cases, $112. Yield 1.2 tons per acre. · Dark garnet color in the glass. With time in the glass, the aromas unfold slowly. When sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle, my notes say “unreal” aromas of black cherry, spice and sandalwood. Effusive sap fills the mouth with goodness, offering flavors of black cherry, blueberry and black raspberry with an earthy underpinning. The chewy fruit is framed by honed tannins and lip-smacking acidity making for easy drinking. Like the 2014 vintage bottling, the finish is very long and intensely fruity. Truly sublime when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 97. Reviewed May 3, 2020 ARTICLE »

2015 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 228 cases, $112. · Dark garnet color in the glass. The aromas unfold slowly over time in the glass. When sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle, the wonderful aromas of black cherry, spice and sandalwood had become more accessible. Effusive sap fills the mouth with goodness, offering flavors of black cherry, blueberry and black raspberry with an earthy underpinning. The chewy fruit is framed by toned tannins and lip-smacking acidity making for easy drinking. The finish is very long and intensely fruity. Truly a sublime experience when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 97. Reviewed August 27, 2020 ARTICLE »

2014 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 200 cases, $100. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose unravels slowly to reveal aromas of black cherry and Asian spices. Full-bodied in a richly endowed style, with a core of black cherry, blackberry and cola flavors. Plush on the palate with enough acidity to cut through the richness. Impressive harmony, with an extremely long and generous finish. Much more giving, even transcendent. when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 97. Reviewed August 27, 2020 ARTICLE »

2014 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 228 cases, $110. Yield 1.3 tons per acre. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose unravels slowly to reveal aromas of black cherry and Asian spices. Full-bodied in a richly endowed style, with a core of black cherry, blackberry and cola flavors. Plush on the palate with enough acidity to cut the richness. Impressive harmony, with an extremely long and generous finish. Much more giving, even transcendent, when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 97. Reviewed May 3, 2020 ARTICLE »

2008 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 200 cases, $100. Yield 1.4 tons per acre. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Reluctant aromas of Bing cherries and spice. Reddertoned cherry and berry fruit with hints of savory herbs, red hard candy and sandalwood. Less extraction than previous vintages, but still a beautiful wine that is more forward than the 2007 vintage and seduces with its soft mouth feel. Ends with a tug of bright acidity and flavor of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia. Very good. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2007 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $90. Yield 1.0 tons per acre. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Muted aromas of dark cherries and berries, oak cask, rose petals and vanilla pod which unfold slowly in the glass. Incredible, mouth coating dark stone and berry fruit, balanced with soft, sturdy tannins and lingering appealingly on the aromatic finish. The wine is still tight, but clearly, the fruit is perfectly ripe and the oak is beautifully integrated. This is an amazing, off-the-charts Pinot Noir that in five to ten years will be the star of your cellar. Figure out a way to get your hands on a few bottles of this beauty. Spectacular later in the day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2006 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.4% alc.. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Intense aromas of very ripe cherry and berry fruit initially, fading some over time in the glass with a pruny note emerging and a slight bit of alcohol peaking out. A full mouth feel of sweet, dark Pinot Noir fruit bordering on over ripeness. Slight oak and dried herbs add nuance in the background. Despite its heft, the wine retains a commendable elegance. Bright acidity frames the finish which leaves a little heat in its wake. Good. 2nd bottle tasted in 2012. Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose sports ripe dark red fruit aromas with spice. Full mouthful of luscious dark red stone and berry fruit. Very polished with soft tannins, faint oak, and a good cut of acidity on the finish. A charming wine that is seamless with impressive length on the glorious finish. Very good (+). Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2005 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 400 cases, $78. Yield 1.8 tons per acre. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, bonfire, woodshed, tea leaf and herbs. Black-cherry driven, and seemingly a tad unripe, with a shallow mid palate, leaving behind a herbal and woody note in its wake. Atypical for West Block with the fruit lacking intensity and buried in oak and some tannin. May be an off bottle. Reserve judgment. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2004 J. Rochioli East Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy dark fruits on the nose with savory aromas of herbs, wet bark and oak. Very tasty essence of black cherries, intensely flavored on the mid palate, with notable persistence on the long finish. The fruit veers to the ripe side but is irresistible in its racy quality. A striking wine that possesses impeccable balance, old vine fruit pedigree, and seductive drink ability. Slightly better than the 2003 vintage and will drink nicely for another five years. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2004 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

400 cases. Yield 1.4 tons per acre. · Review pending. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2004 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 400 cases, $75. · Sweet-scented smell of spiced black cherries and strawberries that draws you deeply into the glass. Ripe, juicy, and vivid earth-tinged black cherry fruit with great richness and persistence. A wine that is delicious and seductive. The impeccable balance and refreshing acidity will keep this wine on course for many years. Reviewed August 19, 2008 ARTICLE »

2003 J. Rochioli East Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Moderately darkly colored in the glass. Gorgeous aromatics offering hi-strung aromas of spiced cherries and black raspberries with a complimentary floral and spice box note. Bright and persistent on the palate while displaying a luscious core of perfectly ripe and earth-kissed black cherries and berries encased in lively acidity. Very polished, classy and harmonious. Still has a few years of life if well cellared. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2003 J. Rochioli Little Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Attractive perfume of cherries and berries with hints of oats, raisin, and coconut. Modestly intense core of black raspberry, blackberry and black cherry fruit with a tarry, earthy bent. Fruit is on the riper side. Well-proportioned tannic backbone, smoothly textured, ending with a little heat. Drink up. Good. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2003 J. Rochioli River Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Strong perfume of black cherries with undertones of toasty oak and sawdust. Intense core of black cherry, red plum and strawberry fruit wrapped in substantial tannins with an undertone of anise, charred oak and tar. Fairly muscular but very silky in texture. This Pinot has aged beautifully and will offer several years of future drinking pleasure. Very good. Reviewed November 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2003 J. Rochioli River Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very enticing with aromas of fresh black cherries, spice, underbrush, shaved oak and sandalwood. Red fruits are featured with some underlying earthiness and oak. Soft in the mouth with supple tannins. A touch of heat on the finish. Very good. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

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 ARTICLE »

2002 J. Rochioli Little Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Alive with black cherry fruit, spice and toast, picking up intensity with time in the glass. Fading black fruits with underpinnings of earth, oak and anise. The structure supersedes the fruit with very bright acidity (citrus peel) on the finish. Drink up. Good. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2002 J. Rochioli Three Corner Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry pie filling, forest floor, barnyard, oak and vanilla, picking up intensity in the glass over time. Medium-weighted core of dark stone and berry fruits with subtle oak and herb highlighting. Well-structured with fine-grain, soft-coating tannins and credible balance. Plenty of life to go another few years. Very good (+). Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2002 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 400 cases, $70. Yield 1.8 tons per acre. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. A bombastic perfume of spiced black cherries leaps out of the glass when the cork is pulled. Scents of smoke, oak and anise add interest. Luscious, full-bodied and broad in the mouth. Blessed with delicious black cherry, baking spice, and Hoison plum sauce flavors, with accents of earth, oak and tobacco. Soft and silky with bright acidity, supportive tannins, and an ending Hollywood would be proud of with memorable persistence of fruit on the dry, juicy finish. Even better later in the day from an opened and re-corked bottle. Will last several more years if properly cellared. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2002 J. Rochioli East Block Russian River Pinot Noir

$90, 150 cases. Joe Rochioli’s original East Block plantings of four acres date to 1968 and were propagated from a selection that Rochioli obtained from the old Karl Wente Vineyard in Livermore. The winemaker is Tom Rochioli. · Many tasters really fawned over this wine. The nose and flavors tend toward the earthy, mushroom, wet leaf profile with plenty of dark black cherries. A very concentrated and rich style. No website! Reviewed October 15, 2006 ARTICLE »

2001 J. Rochioli East Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry tart, roasted nuts, Herbs de Provence and vanilla. Well-endowed with dense, dark and voluptuous fruit with an underlying earthiness. Good underlying acidity and some persistence on the fruit-filled finish. A bit blocky. Drink up. Good. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2001 J. Rochioli Three Corner Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Well-endowed nose with many nuances including aromas of black cherries, cola, spice, cut grass and oak. Delicious core of black cherry, black raspberry and black current fruit of modest intensity with hints of earth and anise, persisting on the somewhat lengthy dry finish. Holds up well over time in the glass, even improving. Will last a few more years. Very good. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2001 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 400 cases, $65. Yield 1.8 tons per acre. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. A nose you could drink with bright aromas of cherry pie filling, roasted nuts, mocha and sandalwood. Very silky and seductive on the palate with anise-flecked black cherry fruit that is vivid and pure. Very fresh and alive with moderate tannin and impressive finishing power. Will be impressive a few more years. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2000 J. Rochioli East Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc.. · Very dark purple in the glass. Very fruity upon opening displaying scents of blackberries, plums, earth and oak, becoming more savory in the glass over time exhibiting aromas of wooded forest and mushrooms. A slight bit of Brett peaks out. Dense, intense and darkly fruited with a complimentary note of savory herbs. The fruit is well clothed in fine-grain tannins and lively acidity. Drink up. Good (+). Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

2000 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 400 cases, $65. Yield 1.9 tons per acre. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Lovely aromas of dark berry jam, dried rose petals, leaf, oak and exotic woods. Impressive attack of black cherry, blackberry and black plum fruit wrapped in sturdy tannins. A charming wine with strikingly flavorful fruit (finesse with power) that persists on the long finish. Could last a few more years. Very good (+). Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

1999 J. Rochioli Little Hill Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 200 cases, $50. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued fruit aromas with prominent smoky oak and horsey (Brett) notes. Medium weighted core of dark red fruits that have fallen off and concede to the notable tannin, oak highlights and earthiness. Drink up. Decent. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

1999 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 400 cases, $65. Yield 1.6 tons per acre. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Meager fruit on the nose but interesting aromas of dried leaf, yeast, oak, char, sandalwood and old book. Woody and earthy, featuring black raspberry jam flavor with hints of tea and cola. Concentrated and bold with tannins overshadowing the fruit. Improves in flavor over time in the glass. A big-fruited wine that should be drunk up. Good (+) Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

1998 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 400 cases, $60. Yield 1.8 tons per acre. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color with a slight brickish rim. Aromas of black cherries, underbrush, leaf, mushroom, cardamon spice and sweaty horse (Brett). Medium-weight black cherry and cassis flavors make an impression. Smooth in texture with mild fine-grain tannins and a moderately long finish. Drink up. Very good (if you don’t mind a little Brett). Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »

1997 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60. Yield 2.75 tons per · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass with a slight brickish rim. Aromas of brooding dark fruit, wood pile, underbrush, anise and dark chocolate. Ripe fruit flavors of black cherries and plums with accents of baking spice and anise. Still fresh in the mouth, displaying powdery tannins and good acidity on the short finish. Definitely has an aged patina but impressive for a 14 year-old wine. Fruit has begun to fade and intensity is the least of all the wines to follow. Drink up. Very good. Reviewed October 4, 2011 ARTICLE »