The aromas of ripe wild blackberries, Santa Rosa plums, wild anise and black truffles fill your glass. Engaging and concentrated flavors of dark berries, earth, black cherries and toasty, sweet oak emphasize the mature, lush tannins that coat your palate. Always one of my personal favorites because of the long, mouthwatering finish that entices you to take another sip. The maturity of this vineyard comes through more and more with each vintage. —Director of Winemaking Bob Cabral
THE VINEYARD
Rochioli Riverblock vineyard is located six miles southwest of the town of Healdsburg, banking the Russian River. Fog-cooled evenings and moderately warm daytime temperatures make the Russian River Valley region ideal for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
HARVEST 2011
The 2011 vintage was marked by another cool year that produced wines with tremendous purity and depth. Similar in many ways to 2010, without the extremes, it had very low yields and below average cooler weather. But, the growing season in 2011 was much more consistent with gentle warming days and very cold summer nights. As a consequence, the vintage produced wines with incredible purity, remarkable acid and tannin balance, while expressing the uniqueness of each individual site and region. The signature of this vintage is one where the wines have bright fruit qualities, sound acidities and elegant tannin profiles. It is truly a vintage worth seeking.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Barrel Description: 72% new oak, 28% 1 year Barrel Aged: 16 months
pH: 3.60
TA: 0.60g/100mL
Alc: 13.8%
Released Fall 2013