2005 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Three Corner Vineyard

Medium red. Intensely mineral nose offers bright strawberry and redcurrant scents and a subtle hint of licorice. Spicy, focused and pure, with vibrant red fruit flavors, suave tannins and excellent lift. The youthfully taut finish shows outstanding length and hang time. These vines were planted in 1974.

The brilliant 2005 Pinot Noir Three Corner Vineyard (100 cases) boasts notes of black raspberries, forest floor, and flowers, sweet tannin, beautiful acidity, a fabulous texture, and a savory, meaty mouthfeel. It should drink well for a decade or more. Kudos to Tom Rochioli, one of the wine world’s great guys who, without any fanfare, continues to turn out world-class wines of extraordinary aromatic and flavor dimensions. Previously recommended: 2004 Chardonnay Estate (91), 2004 Chardonnay Rachael’s Vineyard (95), 2003 Chardonnay Rachael’s Vineyard (94), 2004 Chardonnay River Block (95), 2004 Chardonnay South River Vineyard (96), 2004 Pinot Noir East Block (95-97+), 2004 Pinot Noir Estate (91-93), 2004 Pinot Noir Little Hill Vineyard (95-97), 2004 Pinot Noir River Block (94-96), 2004 Pinot Noir West Block (96-98), 2004 Sauvignon Blanc Estate (90). Tel. (707) 433-2305; Fax (707) 433-2358