Dec 30, 2022
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Rochioli Vineyards & Winery
| Owner(s) | Joe Rochioli, Tom Rochioli |
| Web site | www.rochioliwinery.com |
| Link to this site |
The colorful Rochioli story as told to me by Joe Rochioli is detailed in depth in Volume 4, Issue 42 of the PinotFile.
The first viable Pinot Noir crop from the ranch was in 1971. In 1976 Joe made 1,000 cases of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at Davis Bynum under the Fenton Acres label. In 1979 he sold some West Block Pinot Noir to Williams Selyem who later made Rochioli Vineyard famous (since 1998, Williams Selyem only receives Pinot Noir from River Block). Gary Farrell, the winemaker at Davis Bynum, made 50 cases of Rochioli Pinot Noir from West Block and Allen Vineyard in 1982 which launched his Gary Farrell label. Also, in 1982 Farrell made 150 cases of Pinot Noir for Rochioli to launch the Rochioli brand.
Shortly after this, Joe’s son, Tom, returned from the business world, disenchanted with his job, and joined the farm. He used his business acumen to build a 10,000 case winery which was constructed on the estate in 1985. A winemaker was hired, but after the first year, Tom took over and has made the wines ever since. His biggest influence was Burt Williams of Williams Selyem and he is largely self-taught.
The plantings are divided into blocks and block-designated Pinot Noirs are produced in addition to an appellation wine (The appellation Pinot Noir is labeled Rochioli and the block-designates are labeled J. Rochioli). The first year for block-designated wines was 1992 when East Block and Three Corners were added to the West Block which had been released as a reserve beginning in 1989. The blocks include West and East (being pulled out due to diseases in the mid 2000s), Riverblock, Three Corner, Little Hill, and the newest plantings, Sweetwater. West Block grows the best Pinot Noir and every time a new block of Pinot Noir is planted on the property such as Little Hill and Sweetwater, cuttings from West Block are used. The Ranch now consists of 162 acres, of which 128 are planted to vines, 64 acres to Pinot Noir. About 50% of the estate fruit is used to make Rochioli wines and the rest is sold to other wineries.
The best Rochioli Chardonnay comes from the Hanzell selection which came directly from Hanzell Vineyards. Rochioli is one of the few growers to have it.
The Pinot Noir planted in the vineyards at Rochioli are a mix of Dijon and Pommard but Pommard is clearly Joe's favorite. He says, "Pommard is kind of our house style - spicy, rich, deep, dark fruit. The target picking Brix is 24.5º, but to get the house style and flavors they desire, they must pick at least this Brix, otherwise a tomato quality shows up.
The single-vineyard and block-designated wines are sold through a mailing list ("The List"). The Rochioli Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, some of the Chardonnays, and the Sauvignon Blanc are also sold through the tasting room with some retail and restaurant distribution. The tasting room at 6192 Westside Road is a popular spot for tourists and is open Thursday through Monday. Total production is 13,000 cases of the three varietals. Joe says he could produce and sell more, but he prefers to make less with higher quality. 707-433-2358.
See J. Rochioli
Articles About Rochioli Vineyards & Winery
J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery: The Wines (12.32 10/4/2022)
Joe Rochioli Jr. - No Ordinary Joe (8.44 10/4/2011)
Latest Gems from the Russian River Valley (9.20 2/26/2013)
Recent Reviews of Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noirs (12.5 5/3/2020)
Rochioli Vineyards & Winery West Block (10.13 6/27/2015)
Small Sips of the Russian River Valley (6.63 8/4/2008)
Tasting J. Rochioli Pinot Noir (8.44 10/4/2011)
Reviewed Wines
2020 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., 1,740 cases, $60-$62. 59% River
Block, 31% Mid 40, and 10% Little Hill. Whole cluster pressed to barrel with no skin contact. 100% malolactic
fermentation.
·
Mild golden yellow color in the glass. Richly aromatic with scents of lemon, warm nuts and oak
spice with a hint of slate. Slightly creamy on the palate, offering citrus-inspired goodness with notes of pear and
judicious oak in the background. Clean acidity with a touch of warmth on the finish.
Score: 91.
Reviewed October 2, 2022
ARTICLE »
2019 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 3,198 cases, $60-$90 depending on
source. Released January 2020. 53% Little Hill, 15% Big Hill, 14% West Block, 6% East Block, and 12%
Sweetwater. Hand punch downs, aged 15 months in 3-year and 4-year air-dried Francois Fréres French oak
barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of cherry vanilla, strawberry, cola,
and spice lead to a mid-weight styled palate with flavors of Bing cherry, spice, edible flower, and cola framed by
suede tannins. Easygoing and forward, picking up interest and intensity when re-tasted the following day from
a previously opened bottle. Still captivating two days after opening.
Score: 94.
Reviewed October 2, 2022
ARTICLE »
2018 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $64. A blend of all the single vineyards
making up the Rochioli Estate: 40% Sweetwater, 39% Little Hill, 12% Big Hill, 6% West Block and 3% East
Block.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose opens over time to reveal aromas of black cherry
cola, spice and warm brioche. A charming wine featuring the essence of black cherry accompanied by a spice
and savory herb component. Easygoing, with balanced tannins and a slight sense of alcohol on the modest
finish.
Score: 92.
Reviewed August 22, 2021
ARTICLE »
2017 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $64. Sourced from Sweetwater (38%),
West Block (22%), Little Hill (18%), East Block (12%), Big Hill (8%) and Three Corner (2%). 10% whole cluster.
Aged 15 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is amazingly expressive
upon opening, revealing deep and penetrating aromas of fresh red and black Bing cherry and baking spices.
Mid weight plus in style, entering with a charge of black cherry and black raspberry fruits underlain with tastes
of cardamom spice and cola. Creamy in texture, with an incredibly long finish that lasts for what seems like a
minute. More approachable than the Block Designate wines.
Score: 93.
Reviewed May 3, 2020
ARTICLE »
2014 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Rosé
$28. 100% Pinot Noir.
·
This is a substantial rosé with plenty
of strawberry, cranberry, cherry and peach fruit to satisfy. It is crisp and bright but has enough fruit and
structure to pair with substantial foods.
Score: 89.
Reviewed June 27, 2015
ARTICLE »
2014 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc
14.5% alc, 1,380 cases, $28. Original 1959 planting accounts for 44 percent of this wine.
·
This gorgeous wine
offers an explosion of fruit on the nose and palate including lemon and white peach with accents of
verbena and herbs. Very little, if any, grassiness. Fresh and satisfying with uncommon length on the
finish. An Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc is also offered produced solely from plantings established in
1959. ($48).
Score: 92.
Reviewed June 27, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay
$42.
·
Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic
fermentation. This wine sports a good tug of oak in a lush style featuring tropical and citrus fruits.
Score: 89.
Reviewed June 27, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
$56.
·
Elegant and lighter in this vintage, with juicy
flavors of red cherries and berries and spice, framed by modest tannins. Forward drinking and easy to like.
Score: 90.
Reviewed June 27, 2015
ARTICLE »
2013 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $125.
·
Moderately dark reddish
purple color in the glass. The nose is highly seductive, with bright aromas of Bing cherry, purple grape, cola nut
and cake spice. Stunning entry and mid palate exuberance with plenty of intense black cherry fruit flavor that
really perks up the senses. Luscious, but not the least bit jammy, with balanced fine-grain tannins, a very
appealing smooth texture, and notable old vine persistence on the finish. When tasted the following day from a
previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still had plenty of showy, intense cherry fruit with a hint of
sassafras and cola. A well-bred, special wine with a pedigree.
Score: 92-93.
Reviewed June 27, 2015
ARTICLE »
2011 Rochioli Estate Grown Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., $42. 70% Mid 40 and 30%
River Block vineyards. 100% MLF. Aged sur lie for 9 months.
·
Light straw color and clear in the glass. Very
shy white peach, Meyer lemon, vanilla wafer and toasty oak aromas. Flavors of lemon curd, pineapple and
white peach with a hint of smoky oak in the background. Fresh with a bright cut of underlying acidity. Good.
Reviewed February 27, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Rochioli Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc.,
$54. Primarily sourced from Sweetwater Vineyard and includes new West Block
plantings. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color
in the glass. Big, effusive nose of ripe Bing cherries. Medium weight flavors of
dark red cherries with accents of cola, oak vanillin and loamy earth in the
background. A real crowd pleaser with that signature Middle Reach luscious
cherry fruit, but tempered nicely by balanced tannins and acidity to make a
complete wine that finishes bright and juicy. Very good.
Reviewed February 27, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Rochioli Russian River Valley Blanc de Noir
12.5% alc., $60. Inaugural bottling. 100% Pinot Noir.
·
A
superb sparkling wine with a fine bead, a thoroughly dry and refreshing palate, and a clean, refreshing finish
that mixes citrus and berry notes. This unique wine is sold through the tasting room currently.
Score: 92.
Reviewed June 27, 2015
ARTICLE »
2006 Rochioli Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $70. This wine was discovered on the
bottom shelve at a BevMor store (a discount wine retailer in California) - astonishing considering the
pedigree.
·
This wine needs patience currently. The aromas open slowly exhibiting black cherry, strawberry,
forest floor, and hickory. Earthy and plumy on the palate with a touch of savory herbs. Elegant and
silky with a short finish. Good but not great.
Reviewed August 4, 2008
ARTICLE »
2003 Rochioli Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc..
·
Dark red stone fruits with dried herbs run
through from start to finish. Nice finesse, yet a solid tannic structure with brisk acidity on the finish. Very
drinkable.
Reviewed August 4, 2008
ARTICLE »
2001 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 400 cases, $65. Brought to the
tasting from my cellar.
·
Slight bricking of rim. The wine has aged nicely, offering notes of leather, fig and
burnished cherry on the nose. The tannins have softened, the wine is silky in texture, and offers a savory herb,
spice and black cherry profile. Best to drink up but will hold a few years.
Score: 90.
Reviewed June 27, 2015
ARTICLE »
2020 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., 1,740 cases, $60-$62. 59% River Block, 31% Mid 40, and 10% Little Hill. Whole cluster pressed to barrel with no skin contact. 100% malolactic fermentation. · Mild golden yellow color in the glass. Richly aromatic with scents of lemon, warm nuts and oak spice with a hint of slate. Slightly creamy on the palate, offering citrus-inspired goodness with notes of pear and judicious oak in the background. Clean acidity with a touch of warmth on the finish. Score: 91. Reviewed October 2, 2022 ARTICLE »
2019 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 3,198 cases, $60-$90 depending on source. Released January 2020. 53% Little Hill, 15% Big Hill, 14% West Block, 6% East Block, and 12% Sweetwater. Hand punch downs, aged 15 months in 3-year and 4-year air-dried Francois Fréres French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Enticing aromas of cherry vanilla, strawberry, cola, and spice lead to a mid-weight styled palate with flavors of Bing cherry, spice, edible flower, and cola framed by suede tannins. Easygoing and forward, picking up interest and intensity when re-tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Still captivating two days after opening. Score: 94. Reviewed October 2, 2022 ARTICLE »
2018 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $64. A blend of all the single vineyards making up the Rochioli Estate: 40% Sweetwater, 39% Little Hill, 12% Big Hill, 6% West Block and 3% East Block. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. The nose opens over time to reveal aromas of black cherry cola, spice and warm brioche. A charming wine featuring the essence of black cherry accompanied by a spice and savory herb component. Easygoing, with balanced tannins and a slight sense of alcohol on the modest finish. Score: 92. Reviewed August 22, 2021 ARTICLE »
2017 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $64. Sourced from Sweetwater (38%), West Block (22%), Little Hill (18%), East Block (12%), Big Hill (8%) and Three Corner (2%). 10% whole cluster. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. The nose is amazingly expressive upon opening, revealing deep and penetrating aromas of fresh red and black Bing cherry and baking spices. Mid weight plus in style, entering with a charge of black cherry and black raspberry fruits underlain with tastes of cardamom spice and cola. Creamy in texture, with an incredibly long finish that lasts for what seems like a minute. More approachable than the Block Designate wines. Score: 93. Reviewed May 3, 2020 ARTICLE »
2014 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Rosé
$28. 100% Pinot Noir. · This is a substantial rosé with plenty of strawberry, cranberry, cherry and peach fruit to satisfy. It is crisp and bright but has enough fruit and structure to pair with substantial foods. Score: 89. Reviewed June 27, 2015 ARTICLE »
2014 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc
14.5% alc, 1,380 cases, $28. Original 1959 planting accounts for 44 percent of this wine. · This gorgeous wine offers an explosion of fruit on the nose and palate including lemon and white peach with accents of verbena and herbs. Very little, if any, grassiness. Fresh and satisfying with uncommon length on the finish. An Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc is also offered produced solely from plantings established in 1959. ($48). Score: 92. Reviewed June 27, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Chardonnay
$42. · Barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation. This wine sports a good tug of oak in a lush style featuring tropical and citrus fruits. Score: 89. Reviewed June 27, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 Rochioli Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
$56. · Elegant and lighter in this vintage, with juicy flavors of red cherries and berries and spice, framed by modest tannins. Forward drinking and easy to like. Score: 90. Reviewed June 27, 2015 ARTICLE »
2013 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., $125. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is highly seductive, with bright aromas of Bing cherry, purple grape, cola nut and cake spice. Stunning entry and mid palate exuberance with plenty of intense black cherry fruit flavor that really perks up the senses. Luscious, but not the least bit jammy, with balanced fine-grain tannins, a very appealing smooth texture, and notable old vine persistence on the finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine still had plenty of showy, intense cherry fruit with a hint of sassafras and cola. A well-bred, special wine with a pedigree. Score: 92-93. Reviewed June 27, 2015 ARTICLE »
2011 Rochioli Estate Grown Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.5% alc., $42. 70% Mid 40 and 30% River Block vineyards. 100% MLF. Aged sur lie for 9 months. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Very shy white peach, Meyer lemon, vanilla wafer and toasty oak aromas. Flavors of lemon curd, pineapple and white peach with a hint of smoky oak in the background. Fresh with a bright cut of underlying acidity. Good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Rochioli Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., $54. Primarily sourced from Sweetwater Vineyard and includes new West Block plantings. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Big, effusive nose of ripe Bing cherries. Medium weight flavors of dark red cherries with accents of cola, oak vanillin and loamy earth in the background. A real crowd pleaser with that signature Middle Reach luscious cherry fruit, but tempered nicely by balanced tannins and acidity to make a complete wine that finishes bright and juicy. Very good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Rochioli Russian River Valley Blanc de Noir
12.5% alc., $60. Inaugural bottling. 100% Pinot Noir. · A superb sparkling wine with a fine bead, a thoroughly dry and refreshing palate, and a clean, refreshing finish that mixes citrus and berry notes. This unique wine is sold through the tasting room currently. Score: 92. Reviewed June 27, 2015 ARTICLE »
2006 Rochioli Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $70. This wine was discovered on the bottom shelve at a BevMor store (a discount wine retailer in California) - astonishing considering the pedigree. · This wine needs patience currently. The aromas open slowly exhibiting black cherry, strawberry, forest floor, and hickory. Earthy and plumy on the palate with a touch of savory herbs. Elegant and silky with a short finish. Good but not great. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »
2003 Rochioli Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.3% alc.. · Dark red stone fruits with dried herbs run through from start to finish. Nice finesse, yet a solid tannic structure with brisk acidity on the finish. Very drinkable. Reviewed August 4, 2008 ARTICLE »
2001 J. Rochioli West Block Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 400 cases, $65. Brought to the tasting from my cellar. · Slight bricking of rim. The wine has aged nicely, offering notes of leather, fig and burnished cherry on the nose. The tannins have softened, the wine is silky in texture, and offers a savory herb, spice and black cherry profile. Best to drink up but will hold a few years. Score: 90. Reviewed June 27, 2015 ARTICLE »