2003 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley / Rochioli Vineyard

GRAPE SOURCE
The Rochioli Vineyard consists of approximately 128 planted acres, of which half are various clones of pinot noir. The fruit for this bottling came from a 13 acre block that borders the Russian River on its west bank. It was planted in 1995 from cuttings taken from the original “mother” block planted in 1969. Though growers did not have access to the many fine clones available today, Joe Rochioli was far ahead of his years by selecting Pommard Clone for his initial plantings.

VINTAGE
The 2003 growing season provided the ideal combination of evening and early morning fog, with moderate daytime temperatures, all of which provided near perfect conditions for full flavor development and acid retention.
Winemaking

The vineyards are always hand harvested in the cool, early morning hours, to protect the integrity of the fruit during delivery and processing. The “cold-soak” that takes place prior to alcohol fermentation, allows the elegant flavors and color to be extracted from the skins.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Intense aromas of juicy black cherry, fresh strawberry and intriguing smoky spice nuance. This wine is seductive and elegant, yet rich, with dense layers of red berry fruits that are intricately interwoven with lavish, spicy oak elements and supportive tannins. The generous acidity emerges in the lengthy fruit driven finish. A pleasure to drink now, but pleads for five to six years of careful cellaring to fully develop.

Bottled: December 2004
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Varietal Composition:
Alcohol: 14.4
Case Production: 303
Acid/pH: 0.66/3.40
Released: September 2005
Appellation:

PAST VINTAGES
2002 Pinot Noir - Russian River Valley, Rochioli Vineyard