Assorted Rochioli "River Block" Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

“The 2018 Pinot Noir River Block sweeps across the palate with explosive intensity that carries all the way through to the finish. Dark cherry, spice, leather, mint and sweet tobacco infuse this exuberant Pinot with tons of character. The River Block is not exactly subtle, but it sure is compelling. (AG)” (04/2020)

“The 2018 Pinot Noir River Block comes from the lower vineyards near the river on alluvial soils, planted in 1989. It has a medium ruby-purple color and explodes from the glass with lush cranberry sauce, blood orange, tobacco, tea leaves and floral perfume. It's medium-bodied with expansive, ripe fruits, finely grained and fresh with a long finish. (EB)” (07/2020)

“Pale ruby-purple, the 2019 Pinot Noir River Block has layered aromas of raspberries and blueberries, bergamot and dusty earth with top notes of flowers and citrus peel. Medium-bodied, the palate is silky and fresh with expansive layers of spice, sweet berry fruit and earthy accents that last a very long time in the mouth. Its generous fruit intensity and juicy freshness make it appealing straight from the bottle, though it should have a long life in the cellar. (EB)” (06/2021)

“A darker, more exotic, mineral-laced effort, the 2019 Pinot Noir River Block offers up a big nose of red and blue fruits, sappy underbrush, candied orange, and violets. Textured, medium to full-bodied, juicy, and both rich and elegant, it's going to benefit from another year of bottle age (it's far from unapproachable today) and have 7-8 years, if not more, of prime drinking.” (12/2021)

“The 2019 Pinot Noir River Block, all Rochioli clone planted in 1989, is one of the most opulent wines in the range. Ripe red cherry fruit, kirsch, mint, spice and blood orange envelop the palate. The River Block is creamy and sensual, with terrific mid-palate pliancy and tons of sheer appeal. Although the River Block is one of the most immediate wines in the lineup, it also has the pedigree to age. (AG)” (01/2021)

“A darker saturated ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir River Block takes on layers of complexity, with violets, black raspberry liqueur, framboise, mineral earth, and a touch of cocoa powder. Full-bodied, it displays expansive fruit of black cherry and blackberry, pressed flowers, and toasted tea leaf and has a fleshy texture with ripe tannins. Its structure reminds me of a Gevrey Chambertin. (AF)” (07/2023)

“The 2021 Pinot Noir River Block is expressive, dynamic and age-worthy. It opens with bursts of rhubarb and cranberry, and as it spends time in the glass, it segues to wafts of iron, black tea leaves, lavender and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate explodes with concentrated, spicy fruit. It has abundant, finely grained tannins, refreshing acidity that highlights its spicy accents and a long finish replete with alluring floral perfume. Wow! (EB)” (10/2023)

“The 2021 Pinot Noir River Block is another dense, somber wine in this lineup. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mocha, licorice and gravel add to an impression of brooding, virile intensity. Rich and dramatic, with a huge mid-palate of fruit, the River Block demands cellaring. Potent tannins are pretty much buried by the fruit, but they are there. This site was planted in 1989 with a variant of Wente clone that is now known as the Rochioli clone. (AG)” (08/2023)

“A deeper ruby red color, the 2022 Pinot Noir River Block is entirely Rochioli clone and leaps from the glass with an exuberant floral perfume of violets, fresh black raspberries, ripe cherries, forest floor, and toasted spices. It shows a lot of Russian River Valley charm and is appealing and supple on the palate, with a silky feel and a long finish. It’s expressive now and will drink well over the next 10-15 years. (AF)” (06/2024)

“The 2022 Pinot Noir River Block emerges from blocks planted in 1989—the oldest vines on the property—planted with the Rochioli clone, which is a cleaned-up version of Wente. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice fill out the layers nicely. The 2022 was done with fully destemmed grapes, which really allows the purity of the fruit to shine. (AG)” (01/2024)

“The 2022 Pinot Noir River Block opens with initial touches of tar and flint that give way to savory cranberry sauce, mushrooms, forest floor and nutmeg aromas. The medium-bodied palate is much more open at this youthful stage, offering kaleidoscopic berry, bitters and spice flavors. It’s structured by velvety tannins and mouthwatering acidity and has a long, bright, spicy finish. (EB)” (10/2024)

“Ripe and generous in feel, displaying mulled raspberry and cherry fruit infused with singed vanilla and red tea notes. The silky finish offers nice length. For the fruit-loving crowd. (JM)” (09/2024)