2011 Rochioli, Sauvignon Blanc, Old Vines, Estate, Russian River Valley.
Certainly, almost everyone who’s a wine lover has heard of and knows of Rochioli, one of the great estates in the Russian River, but while people have got to know their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay even, and maybe their Sauvignon Blanc, it it not likely the have come across this rare Old Vines Sauvignon Blanc, as it is very limited and has only been offered to their mailing list clients but a few times. I can tell you, it maybe not be like a Graves or Sancerre, but if I’d known how good this wine was I’d have bought a bunch more, this stylish and vivid wine is full of intriguing flavors, density and length packed into a cool, bright and dynamic wine. The 2011 Rochioli Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc starts out with an almost Riesling like mineral and lime nose, leading to an exotic palate of layered fruit and zingy acidity, though expanding and filling the mouth with quava, melon, peach, passionfruit lemon/lime, kiwi, quince and tangy grapefruit, along with a leesy roundness, hints of French oak and a touch of spicy mineral and wet stones. The finish has great length and even though this is a very controlled and crisp Sauvignon Blanc the aftertaste lingers on and on, stunning in detail and pure class. This is glorious stuff from Rochioli and I will be paying more attention, and will surly snap up anymore of the Old Vine SB when I get another chance!
($45 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
