2014 Rochioli, Rose of Pinot Noir, Estate Grown, Russian River Valley.
The latest tasting room only wine is the rare Rochioli Rose of Pinot Noir, and it makes an emergency visit to Westside Road west of Healdsburg a must do, and now, as this beauty sells out fast, though members of their mailing list can order online, those lucky few. The 2014 Rose of Pinot Noir was handcrafted in small lots, it starts life as just the white free run juice, fermented and gets it’s vivid hue from the addition of still finished Pinot Noir, I’m not sure they always made this Pink treasure this way, but in this vintage the results are merited and admired, this is a really lovely example with a bit more subtlety and charm, even though I always love this offering at Rochioli. The is somewhat muted at first with soft rose water and peach notes along with mineral and saline leading to a bright and vibrant palate showing sour cherry, cranberry, strawberry, watermelon and fresh citrus notes with wet stones and a very long finish. Light herb, spice, a touch of steeliness and tangy acidity lift the wine, but the Pinot fruit certainly comes through, this is well balanced and seductive Rose and white brisk and tangy at first, it opens and rounds out with lingering effect, best to enjoy now and often, drink over the next 6 months to a year. Rochioli’s pink is a a rare and tasty treat, one of the joys of summer in the Russian River Valley!
($28 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
