Joe Rochioli Jr. planted Pommard clones of Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley in 1968. Joe Rochioli Jr. was a visionary who has been referred to as “the patriarch of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.” Joe’s son, Tom Rochioli crafted the first estate Pinot Noir in 1985 which achieved critical acclaim from the Wine Spectator as ‘The Best Pinot Noir in America’. Tom has advanced the single-vineyard concept in the Russian River Valley.

The 2019 Rochioli Russian River Valley Pinot is an exotic single- vineyard composition of Little Hill 53%, Big Hill 15%, West Block 14%, Sweetwater 12% and East Block 6%. This glistening red ruby wine has an explosive floral bouquet of fresh field flowers with scents of jasmine and lavender. The sultry inner core is packed full of red orchard fruits and ripe, red mixed berries. The purity of this wine is mind boggling with layer upon layer of complex and multidimensional flavors infused with spices. The tannins are superfine and delicate with a finish that lasts forever. Although limited, buy as much as possible for future gratification.

By W Peter Hoyne