Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Forward, flashy deliciousness is the signature of this wine, which comes from Rochioli's youngest vineyard that was developed in the late 1990s. With pure, unobstructed raspberry and cherry flavors, it's balanced by fine acidity and gentle tannins.
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Wine Spectator
Offers a savory, herbal underbrush side to the ripe plum and wild berry flavors, firming midpalate and ending with tighter tannins. Drink now through 2022.
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.