Sea Smoke Ten vs Rochioli West Block

WINE TALK
1

Thinking of picking up either a bottle of SS Ten 2011 or Rochioli West Block 2011. Any one had the SS Ten before? I can’t seem to find reviews of the Ten for 2011. Which one would be a better buy?

2

Difficult year for both but my decision would depend on when you want to drink it? The SS Ten bottling typically should be held 4-5 years before drinking.

3

The Ten uses a lot of oak. It improves over time, but it never becomes one for those who want to avoid oaky pinots. I’m a longtime fan of Sea Smoke, but I’m losing interest in Ten, and for my two cents, I’d buy West Block instead. I’ve only had the 2002 a couple times, but that was one of the best pinots I’ve ever had.

4

I like both, but if I had to call one the ‘better buy’ I’d vote for the Rochioli.

That’s not to cut down the Sea Smoke, just if I HAD to pick…

Also, I’ve had more older Rochiolis in my life than Sea Smoke, so I may have an internal bias.

5

I haven’t had either of these specific wines … but you can never go wrong with west block

6

I’m not familiar with Ten, but Rochioli’s West Block Vineyard (Wente Selection, planted in 1969) is one of the state’s greatest and most venerable pinot sites.

7

Anyone know what percent of West Block are the original vines vs those that were “recently” replanted?

8

Eric, Great question. My understanding is that East Block (vines planted in 1968) has been largely replanted. I was under the impression that many, if not most of the original 44-year old vines at West Block remained.

9

The East Block was entirely lost sadly…and they weren’t able to save any of the East Block budwood either :frowning: (they tried but it all has viruses).

I know some amount of West Block has been replanted…both West and East Blocks were planted on the AXR1 rootstock, which is suspeptible to phylloxera…which they got. I suspect a large portion of West Block has been replanted, but not sure. Hope a good portion of the old vines are producing.

10

With that said, you might want to try the SS? Or, there are numerous other superb pinots out there to try. Are you dead set on comparing those 2 wines? If not, check out these links for tasting notes on numerous great pinots. And, don’t rule out OR, they are making some phenomenal PN that rivals the best CA has to offer. (IMO). [cheers.gif]

11

From what I’ve heard, the replanted West Block goes into the Estate Pinot for now, rather than the West Block bottling, until it has a few more years under its belt.

I’ve only had the SS Ten a couple of times, and I seem to prefer the Southing over it. Have never had the West Block from Rochioli, but have loved all the Rochiolis I’ve had.

12

I’m with you on preferring the Southing over the Ten from Sea Smoke. Neither would I pass up however but also agree on the earlier comments of a little age on the Ten is better (probably why I prefer the Southing since patience isn’t as required). I would go with Rochioli only because the only Rochioli I have in my cellar is from W-S and Alysian which are both always favorites.

13

Joe,

Which one is a “better buy” depends on many things.
Are you buying it to drink, or investment?
How soon do you want to drink it?
Is it for you or someone else?
What style of Pinot Noir does the person(s) who will drink this bottle prefer?

I’m sure there’s other relevant questions, but those come to mind immediately.

14

Ah that make sense. In that case, I’d definitely go for the West Block over the SS Ten. I’ve had both a number of times and I’m sure the 11 SS Ten is a great wine, so you can’'t go wrong either way. But I think 2011 would be a brilliant year for the West Block…tho it’ll probably take a number of years for it to show well and be its best. Very old vines from a very cool year in a spot with just enough warmth to get the grapes to where they should be (plus exceptional farming, but SS has that too) would be an unbeatable combination. In fact, I’d consider buying some.

15

I purchased a couple of bottles of the West Block - at $100 each, the most expensive California Pinot I’ve ever sprung for (I’ve embarrassed myself far worse with French Pinot). As you described Eric, I have very high hopes for these bottles.

16

Thank you all for your responses. I have decided to buy a bottle or two of each and hold on to them for at least 2 years.

I see a lot of folks praise Rhys, I think I will also purchase of bottle and see what the hype is about. Any particular vineyard for Rhys I should look for?