Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blackberry, blueberry, tar, and asphalt aromas follow through to a full body with fresh herb, olive skin and grape skin character on the palate with a powdery tannin-driven finish. This is one that will age really well. Please be patient because it is already so excellent but it will be so much better in two to four years and beyond.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2021 Pinot Noir Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard comes from vines planted in 1989. Blueberry preserves, blood orange and pomegranate liqueur aromas rise from the glass, and with time, it reveals finer nuances of lavender, wild fennel and bitters. The medium-bodied palate is incredibly powerful. It pairs concentrated flavors with firm, suede-textured tannins, though its vibrant acidity offers excellent balance, and it has a very long, layered finish.
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.