Castalia Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir (1.5L Magnum) 2011
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Connoisseurs' Guide
Here is an altogether classic expression of West Side Road Pinot that combines great fruity depth with exemplary balance and lots of winemaking polish. It leads with lovely aromas of optimally ripened cherries, hints of violet and a wisp of brioche, and it follows on the palate with lengthy, very well-defined, varietal flavors that are barely beginning to show all that they are. It is slightly fleshy and fairly supple in feel and has no tough edges to lose, but it still wants to be cellared for a few years at least in order to grow past its youth and reach its very considerable best.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.