Grapelive Daily Pick
By Kerry Winslow
***
2008 Castalia Pinot Noir “Rochioli Vineyard” Russian River Valley.
Terry Bering’s career at Rochioli continues and he does a bit under his own label from select blocks of the famous Russian River vineyard. Having had almost every vintage since he started Castalia, there is no question about quality and the wines heritage. The 2008 vintage is proving to be as good if not better in certain cases than the 2007, and the wines will develop and age nicely as the balance and structure looks great. With old blocks of Rochioli Vineyard wines going for near a hundred bucks in the other big names, the Castalia seems to be a major steal, and it always has. This insider secret wine always delivers full Rochioli goodness and style, making for a classic Pinot. This wine opens with lots of fresh fruits and cola, with a perfume of floral notes sneaking through. The mouth is full and ripe with lots of plum and black cherry, touches of licorice, lavender, tea spice and mocha are mixed well on the background. The finish is long with hints of smoke and vanilla, without question you can taste the terroir and the house style of Rochioli, very pretty wine. ($50 Est.) 93-94 Points, grapelive
Just released and at:
***