Winemaker Notes
Joe Jr.’s goal was to take advantage of the soil’s diversity, as well as the vineyard’s proximity to the ocean and the contours of the valley, which allowed for morning fog and cool evening breezes, both key factors in growing stunning grapes. For over 50 years, he has been doing exactly this and today Rochioli is renowned for the quality of its vineyards, fruit and, of course, the wine.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2001 Pinot Noir River Block (225 cases) reveals a tremendous bouquet of candied cherries mixed with vanilla bean, smoke, and background flint characteristics. A lovely combination of red fruits continues on the palate. Medium-bodied and beautifully put together, with the delicacy and nicely-etched personality of a finely crafted Pinot.
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Wine Spectator
A rich, creamy, delicate style, with vivid blackberry, tea, creamy oak and fresh earth and mineral flavors that reveal its nuances sip by sip, finishing with firm tannins and a smoky edge.
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.