Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2001 Rochioli Pinot Noir Little Hill Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Rochioli is one of the true pioneers in Russian River Valley, with a winemaking history dating back to the the late 1950′s. Although best known for their world class Pinot Noir, Rochioli also produces remarkable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. I’ve blogged about Rochioli previously in Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and the Fab 5 of Mailing Lists.

Little Hill Vineyard is a small 2.8 acre parcel of Rochioli Vineyard planted in 1993 planted from West Block Vineyard cuttings. Rochioli recently published a detailed map of the Estate Vineyard that is required viewing for fans of the winery.

Crimson in color with slight bricking on the edge of the glass. Red fruits, nutmeg, cloves and earth on the nose. 14.2% ABV. Beautiful texture, perfect acidity and exceptional balance. Tea, cherry, mushrooms, pomegranate, sassafras and cranberry on the palate. At 13 years of age this wine still has great concentration of fruit. The finish is endless. Drink over the next 1-3 years.

My rating: 94 points.

At present time (and for the foreseeable future) buying from Rochioli via the mailing list is not an option. The Estate wines do show up at retail periodically, and the winery’s Russian River Valley tasting room is still open for public tasting. They may only be pouring a couple of wines, but it’s a great opportunity to buy a bottle for a picnic on their lovely patio and a few more to bring home for the cellar.

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