Sonoma Selection
Tasting Notes
FALL 2026 RELEASE
There’s something satisfying about the first evening that calls for a sweater and something warm cooking on the stove. Your fall wines are here for all of it, from ambitious dinner plans to takeout enjoyed in your favorite chair. This fall, your shipment includes:
2023 Rochioli-Allen Vineyards Chardonnay
VINEYARDS & VINTAGE NOTES
The grapes for this outstanding Chardonnay come from two different blocks within the Allen Vineyard, planted just to the south of the Rochioli Vineyard. The diverse soil types and unique microclimates of this site provide ideal conditions for Chardonnay. Each clone and field selection were chosen to take advantage of specific soil type, elevation, and exposure to the sun, generating wines that are vibrant and powerful, yet delicate and balanced. 2023 was a very long, cool growing season, resulting in our latest start and finish to harvest on record. The extended hang time at lower temperatures provided gorgeous fruit with stunning flavors, structure, and complexity for another vintage of beautiful wines.
WINEMAKING NOTES
The grapes were hand-harvested, then carefully sorted and whole-cluster pressed using a gentle press program. After pressing, the juice was allowed to cold-settle overnight before inoculating with Montrachet yeast, then transferring to 35% new French Oak barrels and 65% a mix of one to three-year-old neutral French Oak barrels and 500-L French Oak Puncheons for fermentation and aging. After 10 months of aging, each barrel was carefully evaluated, and the most elegantly structured wines were selected for this beautiful single vineyard wine.
TASTING NOTES
Like wandering through a sunlit orchard just as the fruit begins to ripen, the 2023 Rochioli-Allen Vineyards Chardonnay greets the senses with green pear, unripe white peach, and honeydew melon, accented by hints of baking spice and citrus, reminiscent of a lemon bar. The palate is generous and full-bodied with a rich, creamy texture, while bright citrus freshness keeps the wine lively and inviting through a clean, satisfying finish. Open this bottle for a good time.
2022 Rochioli-Allen Vineyards Pinot Noir
VINEYARDS & VINTAGE NOTES
The grapes for this outstanding Pinot Noir come from the historic Allen Vineyard, located on the opposite side of Westside Road from Rochioli. Both sites are farmed by the Rochioli family. Each clone and field selection were chosen to take advantage of specific soil type, elevation, and exposure to the sun, generating wines that are vibrant and powerful, yet delicate and balanced. Some of the oldest vines have been nurtured by three generations of the Rochioli family. 2022 can best be described as “early”. It began with a cold, dry winter that led to early bud break. Serious frost in April and an unexpected hailstorm in May caused damage to new growth and flowers, impacting yields. Hot Summer temperatures led to an early onset of harvest, with harvest ending on September 9th, the earliest in our winery history. Despite the rapid pace, flavors and tannin were concentrated and acidity was vibrant, creating wines that rival those of the beautiful 2021 vintage.
WINEMAKING NOTES
The grapes were harvested in the cool morning hours and delivered to the winery just as the fog was clearing. After careful hand sorting, 85% of the fruit was gently destemmed, then transferred to small, open-top tanks and 15% of the fruit was added as whole clusters. The juice was chilled to 45°F and allowed to cold soak for five days before fermentation was started. During fermentation, the cap was gently punched down 3-4 times per day. After fermentation, the new wine and its solids were allowed to sit in a tank for ten days of extended maceration. The wine was then gently pressed off the skins and seeds, inoculated for malolactic fermentation, and racked into 45% new French oak barrels (light toast François Frères, Tonnellerie O, & Ana Selection) for 15 months of barrel aging.
TASTING NOTES
Understated at first, the 2022 Rochioli-Allen Vineyards Pinot Noir reveals its character gradually with each swirl. Aromas of dried dill, oregano, and thyme intertwine with sunbaked earth, red currant and sandalwood, creating a layered and intriguing introduction. The palate follows with tart red cherry juice, rhubarb, and a hint of black licorice, all carried by medium, bright acidity and framed by soft yet structured tannins. Balanced and quietly powerful, this is a wine with the bones to age, revealing more nuance and depth with time.
This season, you have our full permission to:
□ Open the good bottle on a Tuesday.
□ Serve dinner straight from the baking dish.
□ Wear a sweater when it is still 72 degrees.
□ Call cheese and crackers a complete meal.
□ Cancel plans in favor of slippers and Pinot Noir.
□ Order all your holiday gifts early. Feel smug about it.
□ Keep a bottle wrapped for a last-minute invitation.
□ Serve store-bought pie and accept the compliments.
□ Open a special bottle before the meal. Cooking counts as an occasion.
Approved by: Your Friends at Gary Farrell
