2006 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley / Rochioli Vineyard

92 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
92 points - Wine News
89 points, Best Buy - Wine & Spirits

VINEYARD
The Rochioli Vineyard consists of approximately 128 planted acres, of which half are various clones of pinot noir. The fruit for this bottling comes from a 13 acre block that borders the Russian River on it's west bank. It was planted in 1995 from cuttings taken from the original “mother” block planted in 1969. Though growers did not have access to the many fine clones available today, Joe Rochioli was far ahead of his years by selecting the Pommard Clone for his initial plantings.

WINEMAKING NOTES
Joe Rochioli grows some of the most amazing and highly sought after fruit in all of California. Credit the complex mix of grapevine maturity, clones, rootstocks, microclimates, soils and most certainly Joe’s insight for the amazing quality. Harvest occurred during the cool, early morning hours to protect the quality and integrity of the fruit during delivery and processing. Cold soak and open-top tank fermentation took place over a period of twelve days … the time required to extract the desired flavor and color without releasing excessive tannins into the wine. The resulting wine is elegant and seductive, yet rich and complex.

TASTING NOTES
The 2006 Rochioli Pinot Noir exhibits ripe strawberry and cherry aromas leading to a faint red currant and cranberry character. Balanced oak compliments the fruit with mushroom, truffle, and earth. The flavors mimic the nose with additional vanilla and wet stone notes. Ripe, polished tannins support a seamless, velvety texture, which finishes with mouth-watering acidity. Hold this elegant and graceful treat, conservatively, for another two to six years. This expansive Pinot Noir is superb paired with Lamb Shish Kabobs.

TECHNICAL
Winemaker: Susan Reed
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Harvested: September 23, 2006
Bottled: July 27, 2007
Cases Produced: 314
Alcohol: 14.1%
Acidity: 3.43 pH, 6.00 gm/L