2001 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Estate Grown Russian River Valley- USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (1/12/2012)
pretty light carmine color. Nose of flower petals and cherries. palate shows a fully resolved and wonderfully pleasing style which in my tiny experience with pinot, I have come to enjoy; notes of earth, graphite, cherries, strawberries and more. Elegant and super classy, this has a minerality which I really love. There is a tiny hint of cola mixed in too. Fully resolved and giving its all, this has balance, structure and finesse. Everyone at the table ooohed and aaahed, tnad truthfully, thats say more than any note ever could. (93 pts.)
I believe the 01 was the last vintage that was entirely from the old plantings. I believe 03 was the first vintage that was entirely from the new sweetwater plantings (or was it 04 that was the first all sweetwater?). 02 was a mix of both. I have at least one bottle from each of 01-04 (possibly have 2000)…opening them together sounds like a good idea. Keith: You’re invited