2011 Rochioli, Pinot Noir “Special Cuvee” Russian River Valley.
The Special Pinot is only available through Rochioli’s tasting room, so be sure to get up that way soon, as it is a nice wine that give pure Rochioli quality for a very reasonable price. The winery sells out of their regular Estate Grown Pinot so fast they need an extra wine to show off at the tasting bar, and when there is a gap between releases, so the Special Cuvee fills the need. I doubt this wine will last long, so don’t wait if you want to grab any. The 2011 Special Cuvee is medium weighted with hints of perfume, spice and dried currants with a vibrantly fresh palate of cherry, plum and raspberry fruits while mineral notes, soft wood essence and sweet herbs add interest with touches of cola bean, pepper and smoke. This is a quality effort from a very tough vintage in the region, and gives lots of hope for the year as more wines come to the market. Enjoy this Pinot over the next 2-3 years and be sure to visit the winery the next time you are up in the Healdsburg area.
($40 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
