2008 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Sweetwater Vineyard
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Bright red. Suave, complex aromas of strawberry, raspberry, blond tobacco, mocha and Asian spices. Silky on entry, then steps up the intensity in the mid-palate, showing lovely energy and juiciness to the bright red fruit flavors. Spreads out toward the back, finishing with a resonating raspberry quality and an impressively light touch.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Flowery rose petal, wild strawberry, blueberry, and red and black currant aromas jump from the glass of the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Pinot Noir Sweetwater Vineyard. This is a big, yet elegant, Pinot displaying plenty of forest floor notes, oodles of fruit, and beautiful texture, length, and purity. Consume it during its first decade of life. This is another beautiful portfolio of wines from Tom Rochioli. Since they all possess a similar style, one can quibble over just how much difference there is between all the different cuvees of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, there are subtle differences that I will do my best to articulate. With respect to his Pinot Noirs, Rochioli completely destems his grapes, does a cold soak for 4-5 days, and keeps the wines in 100% Francois Freres French cooperage for 14-16 months or less. The wines are racked directly from barrel to tank, and are bottled without fining or filtration. Tel. (707) 433-2305; Fax (707) 433-2358