2018 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Little Hill
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Tasting notes
Pale ruby, the nose of the 2018 Pinot Noir Little Hill is delicate and perfumed, with notes of dried lavender, tea leaves, citrus peel and red berries plus touches of iron and licorice. The palate is light to medium-bodied, elegant, refined and perfumed, with a grainy texture and long, layered finish.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A single vineyard release from the Russian River, the 2018 Pinot Noir Little Hill was 90% destemmed and spent 15 months in French oak. Black cherries, spiced raspberries, white flowers, and spice all emerge from this medium-bodied, silky, incredibly finesse- and floral-driven Pinot Noir. It has terrific purity, the soft, elegant style of the vintage, and flawless balance. It's going to keep for 10-15 years.
The 2018 Pinot Noir Little Hill is marked by super-expressive spice and floral notes. Whole clusters aren't especially evident in the wine's flavor profile, but here they do seem to add a measure of textural lift that is quite appealing. Blueberry jam, lavender and earthy notes linger nicely. The Little Hill is mostly Pommard clone.