1997 J. Rochioli Sauvignon Blanc Old Vines

Community Tasting Notes (3) Avg Score: 93 points

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  12/26/2012 - mthompson wrote:

  This was an interesting experience drinking a 1997 SB from a very reputable, (and one of my favorite), winery's. I received the bottle from my brother-in-law before Christmas. I knew he had it well stored and was curious just how bad, (or drinkable), this SB was going to be. As expected, the color was a mid-deep amber, however, the wine was also very clean and clear, with no cloudiness at all. The nose was almost Sauterne-like with over ripe apricots. The taste was dry on the palate and a hint of light tropical fruit turned quickly quite lemony, and a touch bitter at the end. Obviously, this wine was "past its prime", but, it was interesting to to see what was probably, (in its time), an excellent "Old Vines SB" from Rochioli. Because of the age, no rating was given.

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  4/1/2011 - John Dunlap wrote:

  No surprise here as the wine was past its prime; consequently, a rating is not provided. Still, this was an interesting intellectual exercise. Bottle stored in a cool area since purchase at my sister's house. Color - a dark yellow. Nose - honey and sherry. Taste - Honey, sherry, lots of oak. No real fruit though some apricot was apparent on the finish. Obviously, no longer a good wine but, in its prime, this Sauvignon Blanc was lovely and possessed amazing grapefruit acidity.
  
  PS Had a flash-back to a French white wine called Chateau Chalon from the Juar region in eastern France which is purposefully oxidized and would loved to have tasted them side-by-side, though I believe the French wine is made for Chardonnay - so the comparison would not have been entirely fair. No doubt a wine oxidized on purpose is much different than a wine that is just old. To be continued.

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  4/20/2005 - LoireFan wrote: 93 Points

  Wow, what a surprise! I've had a couple of these before and the oak has overwhelmed them, making the worse than the regular bottling. So I was surprised that this bottle was showing so, so well. Easily the best bottle of California Sauvignon Blanc I've ever had. Consumed with some visitors from south of SF, it was the perfect aperitif. For the first time I'm disappointed that this wine is no longer made.

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