On a bit of a decline but still drinking really well with plenty of fruit still present. A truly beautiful Pinot Opened a couple of hours and then decanted immediately before drinking, which worked out well.
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Past peak. On night 1, was enjoyable. The fruit has faded and so the wine feels less round and plush. Tertiary flavors are there but in balance. On night 2, the wine had a funk that I found to be very unpleasant and so I poured the wine out.
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Cork crumbled on opening, although I attribute that partially to user error. Splash decanted, and first sip was immediately and spectacularly delicious. Deep dark blackberry and boysenberry and black fruit that is borderline rotten in the best way possible. Forrest floor, stewed rhubarb, and tangy mushrooms. Finish goes on and on. This to me is everything I love in an older pinot.
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Pulled from the cellar after being drilled by the dentist for a new crown-ouch. Nose of plum, forest floor, Canadian bacon, mushroom, touch of leather and cedar, same on the palate, medium body, mouth filling fruit, rich, tasty, slightly old, long flavorful finish.
Crimson in color. 14.2% ABV. Sublime nose of bing cherries, cloves, nutmeg and forest floor. Medium body with bright acidity. The fruit here is elegant yet delicate. Cherries, cranberries, citrus and baking spices on the palate. The finish leaves you wanting more. Breathtaking Pinot Noir that has aged absolutely beautifully. Russian River at it's finest. Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Was closed and, I thought, past its prime, at first. After an hour or so, it opened up and was very nice. Good glycerine-like mouthfeel, solid fruit. Won't get any better, though. Drink soon.
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I was afraid this would be over the hill but I was wrong. It is just drinking beautifully. Kept in a cool cellar and it could easily go another five years.
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Dark garnet in color with just a hint of bricking on the edge. 14.2% ABV. Brooding and unyielding on the nose but ever so subtle notes of dark cherries and rose petals. Black cherries, anise, clove, nutmeg, tea and rhubarb on the palate. Silky and balanced with a long, rich finish.
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Great nose with sweet and sour bacon like a burgundy, hints of earth and cedar and black cherry fruit plus touch of acid, more of the same on the palate, rich, mouthfilling and enjoyable, medium/long finish. Tasted 4 times, same results.
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This is a delicious New World pinot with nicely balanced fruit and well-integrated tannins. The nose is very muted and doesn't really open up with air, so while it is rich and mouth-filling, it lacks the sensory complexity of a really aromatic wine. It's also a little hot -- not unpleasant, but I can't help wonder if this would be more interesting at 13% alcohol.
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Wine Flock California Pinot Noir 2001-2008 (Dennis' Place on Erie): Spice driven nose. Some serious heat as well. Spicy raspberries. Black pepper. Not my favorite aromatically. Some smoke in the back ground. The palate is a little thin actually. Subtle fruit. Lighter and less pronounced than I'd expect from this single vineyard. Good wine but less balanced on the finish and it showed a serious dose of alcoholic heat. Green olives. Eh.
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deep dark berry fruit nose, medium weight on palate, good balance, some strawberry notes, medium length finish. Improved after couple of hours od airtime. Not Decanted. Glad to have two more bottles left.
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Delightful wine in its prime drinking window. Decanted and consumed over ensuing 2 hours. The depth, subtle complexity and long finish of this wine and its evolution over the two hours made every sip worth savoring.
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Dark and youthful color. A slightly brooding nose of black raspberry, rose petal, subtle spices and a caramel-rich cola balanced by dusty earth. Lush, seductive mouthfeel. The palate echoes the aromas with the addition of a little dried cherry and more intensity to the spice. Excellent length on the wonderfully textured finish. Very enjoyable but just a little too ripe for me.
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Distinctive bouquet, as I find Rochioli single-vineyard wines have. Almost a brooding nose, with black cherry, blackberry, baking spice, and rich earthy notes. In the mouth, a textural wonder. So refined and velvety, the texture is the thing that grips you first, more than the pretty and pure black cherry fruit or the deep earthy notes or even the liveliness for a wine its age. Not even the structure can detract from this wine as being a sexy, seductive redhead in the corner of a bar making eyes at you. Great stuff. A
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This was my first wine from this producer, and I can say that I finally understand what all the clammor and hub-bub is about. We tasted this side by side with 2002 Martinelli Pinot Noir Reserve Martinelli Vineyard and the 2002 Vincent Girardin Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands Épenots Vieilles Vignes and I would dare say that this was the most captivating nose of the three. Bursting with scents of rose pettels, raspberries, strawberries, and underbrush this wine was completely captivating to smell. In the mouth it was light, and delicate just like a pinot is supposed to be. What a wonderful bottle...it can be enjoyed now or for at least another 3-5 years if stored properly...
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Very bright nose of cherry and raspberry. Very pure fruit on the palate with loads of ripe cherry and raspberry flavors, with slight floral hints on the finish.
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This wine is just starting to enter it's prime. This bottle showed a very nice nose and lots of complexity in the wine. Should even improve over the next few years and hold several years after that. A very nice effort that is so unlike many of the new style pinots that are very ripe and while enjoyable don't have the complexity of this wine.
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Black raspberry, rhubarb, cola, Asian spice, woody underbrush and lots of nutmeg. The nose has an airy, floral presence. A silky palate with layers of black and red fruit. There is superb balance and persistent on the finish. A harmonious wine that is more intellectual than hedonistic. A few more years will allow for further integration of the oak.
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Tasted blind November 6, 2007. Opened and served immediately. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of anise, black fruits and some florals. Flavors of black cherries and berries with just a little bitters on the finish. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full body. Hold.
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The 2002 Little Hill just wasn't up to the normal Rochioli standard for their SVDs. A little too dry and tannic and lacking much complexity. It's an enjoyable bottle- just a bit disappointing given its pedigree.
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At Savoire Faire; MK had Salmon in paper, I had Rack of Lamb. Nose a bit restrained, perhaps should have decanted, and glasses were a bit smaller than I would have liked. Lots of cherry and dark berry flavors, with moderate tannins. I was hoping for more but the setting-in a restaurant, not able to linger and watch the wine evolve over the evening-may not have been fair to the wine. Unfortunately my only bottle!
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Classic Rochioli nose of sour cherries, tea and cola. Rather tart, lively mouth feel with supple but noticeable tannins. Finishes a lttle hot and drying on the palate. I anticipate this wine will benefit from a few more years in the cellar, try again in 2008.
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<Nanea rj/sb> no notes. To my palate this was much more balanced and stylish compared to the Soter that we also opened up. Still rather intense, with enough oomph to stand up to the huge PorkChop, but not the overwhelming wood on the finish, and nice complexity. Opened up and improved with air -- 91-92
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8/27/2023 - Nothung Likes this wine: 92 Points
On a bit of a decline but still drinking really well with plenty of fruit still present. A truly beautiful Pinot Opened a couple of hours and then decanted immediately before drinking, which worked out well.
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12/11/2020 - Rhwinetracker wrote:
Past peak. On night 1, was enjoyable. The fruit has faded and so the wine feels less round and plush. Tertiary flavors are there but in balance. On night 2, the wine had a funk that I found to be very unpleasant and so I poured the wine out.
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3/10/2020 - bobadopolis Likes this wine: 94 Points
Cork crumbled on opening, although I attribute that partially to user error. Splash decanted, and first sip was immediately and spectacularly delicious. Deep dark blackberry and boysenberry and black fruit that is borderline rotten in the best way possible. Forrest floor, stewed rhubarb, and tangy mushrooms. Finish goes on and on. This to me is everything I love in an older pinot.
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1/6/2017 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 93 Points
Pulled from the cellar after being drilled by the dentist for a new crown-ouch. Nose of plum, forest floor, Canadian bacon, mushroom, touch of leather and cedar, same on the palate, medium body, mouth filling fruit, rich, tasty, slightly old, long flavorful finish.
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3/21/2016 - tomlee wrote: 93 Points
Crimson in color. 14.2% ABV. Sublime nose of bing cherries, cloves, nutmeg and forest floor. Medium body with bright acidity. The fruit here is elegant yet delicate. Cherries, cranberries, citrus and baking spices on the palate. The finish leaves you wanting more. Breathtaking Pinot Noir that has aged absolutely beautifully. Russian River at it's finest. Drink over the next 1-2 years.
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11/4/2015 - Ericgreen wrote: 95 Points
Excellent
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8/30/2014 - dfcrutcher Likes this wine: 91 Points
Was closed and, I thought, past its prime, at first. After an hour or so, it opened up and was very nice. Good glycerine-like mouthfeel, solid fruit. Won't get any better, though. Drink soon.
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8/14/2014 - affordableCollector wrote: 88 Points
dark red, in color. raspberry, spice, smokey, on the nose. cherry, ripe fruit, raspberry, spice, earth, on the palate. medium acid, on the finish.
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6/23/2014 - zinnut wrote: 93 Points
I was afraid this would be over the hill but I was wrong. It is just drinking beautifully. Kept in a cool cellar and it could easily go another five years.
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7/2/2013 - Didman wrote: 92 Points
A lovely wine for current drinking. Soft and lush.
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5/28/2013 - tomlee wrote: 92 Points
Dark garnet in color with just a hint of bricking on the edge. 14.2% ABV. Brooding and unyielding on the nose but ever so subtle notes of dark cherries and rose petals. Black cherries, anise, clove, nutmeg, tea and rhubarb on the palate. Silky and balanced with a long, rich finish.
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12/18/2012 - Gravity wrote: 92 Points
Very soft and subtle... great light fruit shining on a well balanced mature cali pinot
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12/12/2012 - bestdamncab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great nose with sweet and sour bacon like a burgundy, hints of earth and cedar and black cherry fruit plus touch of acid, more of the same on the palate, rich, mouthfilling and enjoyable, medium/long finish. Tasted 4 times, same results.
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1/17/2012 - Mister Wizard wrote: 94 Points
Fantastic. Well balanced. The nose, my god. The nose.
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9/22/2011 - Khamaj wrote: 90 Points
This is a delicious New World pinot with nicely balanced fruit and well-integrated tannins. The nose is very muted and doesn't really open up with air, so while it is rich and mouth-filling, it lacks the sensory complexity of a really aromatic wine. It's also a little hot -- not unpleasant, but I can't help wonder if this would be more interesting at 13% alcohol.
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9/19/2011 - peterk wrote: 92 Points
Subtle and complex with a long finish - very nice.
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6/11/2011 - bheller wrote: 95 Points
The right time to drink this - a bit of delicious sour cherry, a bit of alcohol,
overall a great Rochioli pinot.
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4/28/2011 - beezer6 wrote: 90 Points
Wine Flock California Pinot Noir 2001-2008 (Dennis' Place on Erie): Spice driven nose. Some serious heat as well. Spicy raspberries. Black pepper. Not my favorite aromatically.
Some smoke in the back ground. The palate is a little thin actually. Subtle fruit.
Lighter and less pronounced than I'd expect from this single vineyard.
Good wine but less balanced on the finish and it showed a serious dose of alcoholic heat.
Green olives. Eh.
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4/21/2011 - Schwarzer Hund wrote:
deep dark berry fruit nose, medium weight on palate, good balance, some strawberry notes, medium length finish. Improved after couple of hours od airtime. Not Decanted. Glad to have two more bottles left.
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9/2/2010 - mwellington wrote: 93 Points
Delightful wine in its prime drinking window. Decanted and consumed over ensuing 2 hours. The depth, subtle complexity and long finish of this wine and its evolution over the two hours made every sip worth savoring.
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6/30/2010 - Screameagle wrote: 93 Points
Same as previous notes. A wonderful pinot. Just wish that I haven't consumed all of my three bottle allocation.
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6/28/2010 - pgordon62 wrote: 92 Points
Dark and youthful color. A slightly brooding nose of black raspberry, rose petal, subtle spices and a caramel-rich cola balanced by dusty earth. Lush, seductive mouthfeel. The palate echoes the aromas with the addition of a little dried cherry and more intensity to the spice. Excellent length on the wonderfully textured finish. Very enjoyable but just a little too ripe for me.
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4/10/2010 - gutt22 wrote:
Distinctive bouquet, as I find Rochioli single-vineyard wines have. Almost a brooding nose, with black cherry, blackberry, baking spice, and rich earthy notes. In the mouth, a textural wonder. So refined and velvety, the texture is the thing that grips you first, more than the pretty and pure black cherry fruit or the deep earthy notes or even the liveliness for a wine its age. Not even the structure can detract from this wine as being a sexy, seductive redhead in the corner of a bar making eyes at you. Great stuff. A
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7/12/2008 - CMCLR wrote: 92 Points
Outstanding
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6/28/2008 - Kirk Grant wrote:
This was my first wine from this producer, and I can say that I finally understand what all the clammor and hub-bub is about. We tasted this side by side with 2002 Martinelli Pinot Noir Reserve Martinelli Vineyard and the 2002 Vincent Girardin Pommard 1er Cru Les Grands Épenots Vieilles Vignes and I would dare say that this was the most captivating nose of the three. Bursting with scents of rose pettels, raspberries, strawberries, and underbrush this wine was completely captivating to smell. In the mouth it was light, and delicate just like a pinot is supposed to be. What a wonderful bottle...it can be enjoyed now or for at least another 3-5 years if stored properly...
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6/23/2008 - amgryger wrote:
Very bright nose of cherry and raspberry. Very pure fruit on the palate with loads of ripe cherry and raspberry flavors, with slight floral hints on the finish.
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4/25/2008 - Matt T wrote: 94 Points
Full bodied nose of dark fruits with a hint of mushroom and earth. Very fresh dark berry flavors. Extremely well balanced with excellent acidity.
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2/23/2008 - Screameagle wrote: 92 Points
This wine is just starting to enter it's prime. This bottle showed a very nice nose and lots of complexity in the wine. Should even improve over the next few years and hold several years after that. A very nice effort that is so unlike many of the new style pinots that are very ripe and while enjoyable don't have the complexity of this wine.
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11/16/2007 - pgordon62 wrote: 93 Points
Black raspberry, rhubarb, cola, Asian spice, woody underbrush and lots of nutmeg. The nose has an airy, floral presence. A silky palate with layers of black and red fruit. There is superb balance and persistent on the finish. A harmonious wine that is more intellectual than hedonistic. A few more years will allow for further integration of the oak.
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11/6/2007 - wineismylife wrote: 90 Points
WIML90.
Tasted blind November 6, 2007. Opened and served immediately. Garnet to dark garnet color in the glass, clear hue throughout. Nose of anise, black fruits and some florals. Flavors of black cherries and berries with just a little bitters on the finish. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full body. Hold.
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4/9/2007 - pinotdog wrote:
The 2002 Little Hill just wasn't up to the normal Rochioli standard for their SVDs. A little too dry and tannic and lacking much complexity. It's an enjoyable bottle- just a bit disappointing given its pedigree.
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9/28/2006 - simba-mk@cox.net wrote: 91 Points
At Savoire Faire; MK had Salmon in paper, I had Rack of Lamb. Nose a bit restrained, perhaps should have decanted, and glasses were a bit smaller than I would have liked. Lots of cherry and dark berry flavors, with moderate tannins. I was hoping for more but the setting-in a restaurant, not able to linger and watch the wine evolve over the evening-may not have been fair to the wine. Unfortunately my only bottle!
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9/8/2006 - llink wrote:
Classic Rochioli nose of sour cherries, tea and cola. Rather tart, lively mouth feel with supple but noticeable tannins. Finishes a lttle hot and drying on the palate. I anticipate this wine will benefit from a few more years in the cellar, try again in 2008.
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2/28/2006 - tmay wrote: 92 Points
Balanced with an nice finish.
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7/3/2005 - lorenzo wrote: 91 Points
<Nanea rj/sb>
no notes.
To my palate this was much more balanced and stylish compared to the Soter that we also opened up. Still rather intense, with enough oomph to stand up to the huge PorkChop, but not the overwhelming wood on the finish, and nice complexity. Opened up and improved with air -- 91-92
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