VINEYARD:
The grapes for this outstanding Pinot Noir come from two vineyards in the heart
of Russian River Valley: the renowned Rochioli Vineyard and Allen Vineyard on the
opposite side of Westside Road. Both sites are farmed by the Rochioli family. Each
clone and field selection was chosen to take advantage of specific soil type, elevation
and exposure to the sun, generating wines that are vibrant and powerful, yet delicate
and balanced. Some of the oldest vines have been nurtured by three generations
of the Rochioli family. This blend is composed predominantly of Pommard Selection
from the Allen Old (planted 1974) and New (planted 1996) North Hill blocks, and the
balance is Pommard from the Rochioli Vineyard.
TASTING NOTES:
The 2015 Pinot Noirs in general are super aromatic and this Rochioli-Allen blend is
a great example, exuding aromas of cranberry, rose petal, dried sage, rhubarb and
star anise. Copious quantities of juicy red berry flavors envelope the palate hinting at
raspberry, red cassis and strawberry, with just a touch of coriander leaf on the back
end. The mid-palate is perfectly tart and mouthwatering, while the finish is savory
with a powerful backbone of firm tannins.
Rochioli Vineyard
DISTANCE FROM WINERY
< 5 miles
SIZE
160 acres total; 128 acres planted
GROWERS
Joe Rochioli, Jr., Owner and Vineyard Manager
VARIETALS SOURCED HERE
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
CLONE/ROOTSTOCK INFO
Pinot Noir: clones 115, 777, Pommard and Rochioli West Block Selection (Pommard) Chardonnay: Mid-40s block planted to clones 5, 8, 12 and 76 on 039-16 rootstock; River Block planted to clone 5 on AxR#1 rootstock
The Rochioli Vineyard consists of approximately 128 planted acres, of which half is planted to various clones of Pinot Noir. The oldest vines are in the East Block, planted in 1968 and the West Block, planted in 1970, the East Block having the first ever Pinot Noir plantings in the Russian River Valley. At a time when Pinot Noir was almost unknown here in the Russian River Valley, Joe Rochioli Jr. was ahead of his time in selecting the Pommardclone for these initial plantings. The West Block is often referred to as the “mother block” since cuttings from this block were used for several other blocks on the Rochioli property, including the Allen Vineyard. Diverse soil properties, coupled with cool coastal influences, provide ideal conditions for grape growing and reflect the special character of the Rissian River Valley. Some of the oldest vines have been nurtured by three generations of the Rochioli family. Each clone and field selection has been carefully chosen to take advantage of soil type, elevation and exposure to the sun. The resulting grapes possess wonderful fruit flavors, with balanced acidity and tannin.
FRUIT CHARACTER
Pinot Noir: Vibrant fruit flavors with balanced acidity and tannin; notably elegant. Chardonnay: Notably pure, fresh and transparent – with juicy stone fruit and tropical tones.
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Vineyard(s): Rochioli Vineyard, Allen Vineyard
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir
Aging: 16 months in 40% new French Oak
Alcohol: 13.9%
pH / T.A.: 3.36 / 6.9gm/L
Production: 391 cases