2012 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Sweetwater Vineyard

Dark red. Black raspberry, cherry, rose pastille and licorice on the smoky nose. Powerful dark fruit flavors are lifted by tangy acidity, showing very good depth and focus. Rich, silky and vibrant, with a core of minerality giving the wine an impression of elegance. Finishes sweet, smoky and long, with smooth tannins lending shape to the opulent, clinging berry flavors. (ST)

Rochioli's 2012 Pinot Noir Sweetwater wraps around the palate with lovely understated finesse. Sweet red berries, mint and cinnamon meld together in the glass. High-toned blood orange and citrus notes add brightness on the finish. In 2012, the Sweetwater is beautifully layered and impeccably balanced. It will drink nicely pretty much upon release.

The 2012 Pinot Noir Sweetwater is a deep ruby/purple-colored, flamboyant red displaying lots of boysenberry, black cherry and raspberry fruit. Full-bodied and rich with the wood pushed to the background, it possesses an opulent mouthfeel as well as a finish that lasts 40 seconds. Consume it over the next decade. Most knowledgeable people in the wine world have enormous respect for the integrity, honesty and exceptionally high quality of the wines emanating from the Rochioli Vineyards in the Russian River area. Currently, Tom Rochioli runs the show, and if you are not on their mailing list, chances are you only have an opportunity to purchase their Estate Chardonnay, Estate Pinot Noir, and possibly their Sauvignon Blanc. Mailing list customers have access to their best single vineyard wines. The consistency of these wines, even in less than ideal vintages, has been remarkable over my career. When I saw Tom Rochioli in October, he was thrilled with what 2012 had provided, and was even more excited by the fact that 2013 may be even better. The Pinot Noirs are largely produced from different clonal materials, and each parcel represents different blocks within the Rochioli estate vineyards. Tel. (707) 433-2305