2016, 2019, 2022 Rochioli Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Tasting Lot

“Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir West Block rocks up with gorgeous kirsch, black forest cake and mulberries scents plus touches of stewed rhubarb, exotic spices, potpourri, lilacs, chocolate mints and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied with a taut grainy texture and oodles of freshness, the black and red fruits are fantastically perfumed in the mouth and on the very long finish. (LPB) 97+” (06/2018)

“A total, the 2016 Pinot Noir West Block is also the most powerful and exuberant of the Rochioli wines. Super-ripe dark cherry, cola, plum, rose petal, lavender and spice meld together in a sumptuous, quintessentially Russian River Pinot loaded with class. Plush and racy, the 2016 is going to be impossible to resist young. (AG)” (04/2018)

“More mulled strawberries, black raspberries, wildflowers, toasted spice, and integrated, classy oak emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Sweetwater, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, flawless balance, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It doesn't match the borderline perfect 2018, but it has all the hallmarks of a magical Pinot Noir: purity, balance, elegance, complexity, and richness. Don't miss it!” (07/2021)

“Pale ruby-purple, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sweetwater Vineyard takes some time to open to blackberries, cranberry sauce, earth, tobacco and tea leaf aromas, gaining top notes of citrus and potpourri with time in the glass. The palate is grainy, super fresh and layered, with a fan of spices carrying the long finish. It feels young and will benefit from another year or two in bottle. (EB)” (06/2021)

“The 2019 Pinot Noir Sweetwater is laced with crushed red berry, spice, leather, licorice and dried flowers. Attractive floral and savory notes give the Sweetwater lovely aromatic complexity and tons of nuance. Like all of these wines, the Sweetwater is understated and classy to the core. The Sweetwater emerges from the highest part of the property and is planted in 1999 with a clonal selection of Wente that dates back to the late 1960s. (AG)” (01/2021)

“Lithe and refined, with floral aromas to the dried strawberry, cherry and plum pastry flavors that show accents of hot stone. Concentrated cooking spice notes linger on the finish, with hints of underbrush. (KM)” (09/2021)

“A complex and expressive nose presents notes of red currant, rose petal, herbal tea, spice and a suggestion of blue pinot fruit. There is good size, weight and punch to the attractively textured and tautly muscular medium weight flavors that conclude in a compact, serious and sneaky long finale. This is still very much on the way up and I would advise cellaring it for at least another 4 to 8 years. *Outstanding*” (04/2023)

“Youthfully medium red-hued, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sweetwater offers lovely floral aromas of wild raspberries, roses, fresh sweet herbs, and rocky stones. Medium-bodied, it has fantastic freshness all the way through and offers good tension, with finely coiled tannins. Long on the palate, with fantastic spice on the finish, it’s going to be an age-worthy wine to drink over the next 15 years. (AF)” (06/2024)

“The 2022 Pinot Noir Sweetwater is gorgeous. Bright, translucent and super-expressive, the 2022 marries effusive aromatics with chiseled fruit. The blend of 777, Rochioli Wente and Chalone clones yields a Pinot of tremendous distinction. Lavender, orange peel, spice, mint and blue-toned fruit all grace this exquisite, crystalline Pinot. This is impressive juice. The 10% stems are beautifully integrated. (AG)” (01/2024)

“Crafted with 10% whole clusters, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sweetwater Vineyard has open, inviting scents of rhubarb, blood orange, allspice, savory herbs and mossy bark. The medium-bodied palate is defined by concentrated, earthy fruit. It has a velvety texture, bright acidity and a long, flavorful finish.” (10/2024)

“This friendly version offers a plump and rounded feel, with a core of strawberry and cherry notes backed by an unobtrusive sandalwood spine. A light mineral accent adds charm on the finish. (JM)” (06/2024)