It's been a year since my last bottle and it is still going strong. West block never disappoints and sadly this was my last 2013. Should go another 3 to 4 years. Cheers !!!
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Agree with flavor descriptions in prior notes. Starting to develop tertiary flavors. I typically like that, but this wine shines more for me when the fruit takes a front seat. That is starting to change. This wine is great but was better for me a few years ago.
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Red fruits and slight floral notes on the nose, sour cherries on the palette. Medium finish. Opened an hour before serving, no decant. In a very good place.
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When I ask my 94 year old mother what is your favorite wine, she always says... ROCHIOLI, and make sure we have it with dinner tonight. West block is becoming a favorite of mine from all their vineyards. This is a classic.
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Needs chilling and an hour or so of air, typical RRV Pinot with a touch of sweetness, cranberry, red fruited, mid-weight, not syrupy or plush but still substantial, muted burgundy color, actually showing its' age a bit there. Drinking beautifully today and would drink sooner than later.
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From vines planted in 1969. 14.5% abv. Deep burgundy red, expressive aromas. On the palate, cherry, ripe plum, spicebox and a touch of cedar. A rich, deep Pinot with a lingering aftertaste. Still improving - I've had this wine on numerous occasions and this is the best showing yet.
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PnP at a restaurant. Beautiful aromas with cherry, berry, plum, spice and cedar. Similar flavors with cinnamon, and a touch of earthiness. the tannins have softened nicely. Well balanced. In a really good place now.
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A bit disappointing considering the current offer price (best online = $135; I bought at auction for substantially less.). Will decant next bottle and see what happens. This is a quality pinot with lots of fruit and complexity, but it has an overwhelming level of wood . . . I think cedar that is off-putting. My wife also picked up on eucalyptus, which I agreed with after her suggestion. I'd call this a very good wine in the $40-$50 range, but not at current prices. For the money I'd go with a Burgundy.
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Very dark red. Quite aromatic with red cherry, spice, cedar immediately on the nose. Layers of flavor already with red cherry, spice, cinnamon, and a touch of earthiness. A more masculine and firm wine, the tannins are starting to soften. Medium body, wth great balance and a long smooth finish. Just starting to hit its stride. Will still be better in a few years.
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Layers and layers of fruit. Very dense flavors without being overbearing texturally. A note of cola in there (in a good way). The finish is what shows the pedigree in my opinion. Very long lasting and just blends into the tongue. No heat. Tannins so fine and round that you don't even notice them behind all that flavor unless you look. Drinking well right now in my opinion.
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Decanted for 1 1/2 hours. Still had lots of life but very approachable. Deep dark and red berry flavors with hints of cinnamon, mint and eucalyptus. Can't wait to see what this will be like in a few years.
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5/5/2024 - llink wrote: 92 Points
PNP. Very pretty nose, cherry, sous bois, and clove. Soft palate, velvety with resolved tannins and moderate cherry flavors.
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2/17/2024 - JayAAllen Likes this wine: 95 Points
Fruity, fragrant, perfect!
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12/27/2023 - JayAAllen Likes this wine: 93 Points
Wow!
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12/23/2023 - Radar & Mattie Likes this wine: 94 Points
It's been a year since my last bottle and it is still going strong. West block never disappoints and sadly this was my last 2013. Should go another 3 to 4 years. Cheers !!!
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5/14/2023 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 95 Points
At 10 years of age, this wine is fully resolved, but still vibrant. Really delicious, mature Pinot. Drink now or over the next half decade or so.
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3/6/2022 - BillyRayValentine wrote: 92 Points
Agree with flavor descriptions in prior notes. Starting to develop tertiary flavors. I typically like that, but this wine shines more for me when the fruit takes a front seat. That is starting to change. This wine is great but was better for me a few years ago.
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2/12/2022 - RJWallis Likes this wine: 92 Points
One hour decant. In a very good place. Sour cherries everywhere!
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2/3/2022 - RJWallis Likes this wine: 93 Points
Red fruits and slight floral notes on the nose, sour cherries on the palette. Medium finish. Opened an hour before serving, no decant. In a very good place.
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7/30/2021 - ItsNotMe wrote:
Mature. Elegant with a hint of spice and eucalyptus. Some alcohol, but overall well-integrated. Nice dense mouthfeel.
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2/12/2021 - Rhwinetracker Likes this wine:
Didn’t take any notes, but this is solid and is drinking well right now.
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9/12/2020 - ItsNotMe wrote:
Much improved since last 2 bottles. Strawberry, eucalyptus, and cedar. Hot @ 14.5% alcohol.
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9/11/2020 - Radar & Mattie Likes this wine: 94 Points
When I ask my 94 year old mother what is your favorite wine, she always says... ROCHIOLI, and make sure we have it with dinner tonight. West block is becoming a favorite of mine from all their vineyards. This is a classic.
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4/29/2020 - ozziewine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Needs chilling and an hour or so of air, typical RRV Pinot with a touch of sweetness, cranberry, red fruited, mid-weight, not syrupy or plush but still substantial, muted burgundy color, actually showing its' age a bit there.
Drinking beautifully today and would drink sooner than later.
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4/17/2020 - Radar & Mattie Likes this wine: 94 Points
What can I say. It's West Block and it's always good. My favorite block of all the Rochioli vineyards.
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1/4/2020 - ItsNotMe wrote:
Served with blackberry-glazed grilled quail. Very nice. Dark fruit, wood. It as pronounced as last bottle. Would like a bit more acidity.
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11/28/2019 - Mike Dildine Likes this wine: 94 Points
From vines planted in 1969. 14.5% abv. Deep burgundy red, expressive aromas. On the palate, cherry, ripe plum, spicebox and a touch of cedar. A rich, deep Pinot with a lingering aftertaste. Still improving - I've had this wine on numerous occasions and this is the best showing yet.
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11/27/2019 - gharter Likes this wine: 92 Points
PnP at a restaurant. Beautiful aromas with cherry, berry, plum, spice and cedar. Similar flavors with cinnamon, and a touch of earthiness. the tannins have softened nicely. Well balanced. In a really good place now.
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6/12/2019 - ItsNotMe wrote:
A bit disappointing considering the current offer price (best online = $135; I bought at auction for substantially less.). Will decant next bottle and see what happens. This is a quality pinot with lots of fruit and complexity, but it has an overwhelming level of wood . . . I think cedar that is off-putting. My wife also picked up on eucalyptus, which I agreed with after her suggestion. I'd call this a very good wine in the $40-$50 range, but not at current prices. For the money I'd go with a Burgundy.
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11/10/2018 - jgreco Likes this wine: 91 Points
Wine Advocate: Grand Walkabout Tasting (NYC): Classic California Pinot. Nose of green peppers. Juicy red fruits on the palate.
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7/21/2018 - lewisrise wrote: 91 Points
Knows of caramel and vanilla. Plum and burned cherry with the finish of vanilla
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12/31/2017 - gharter Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very dark red. Quite aromatic with red cherry, spice, cedar immediately on the nose. Layers of flavor already with red cherry, spice, cinnamon, and a touch of earthiness. A more masculine and firm wine, the tannins are starting to soften. Medium body, wth great balance and a long smooth finish. Just starting to hit its stride. Will still be better in a few years.
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5/29/2017 - Vietty Likes this wine:
Layers and layers of fruit. Very dense flavors without being overbearing texturally. A note of cola in there (in a good way). The finish is what shows the pedigree in my opinion. Very long lasting and just blends into the tongue. No heat. Tannins so fine and round that you don't even notice them behind all that flavor unless you look. Drinking well right now in my opinion.
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5/1/2017 - ptelgenh wrote: 93 Points
Potent with nice acid balance. A beautiful offering
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11/1/2015 - Black Kat Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for 1 1/2 hours. Still had lots of life but very approachable. Deep dark and red berry flavors with hints of cinnamon, mint and eucalyptus. Can't wait to see what this will be like in a few years.
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