One of the most stupendous Russian River Pinots I have ever tasted, there are just over 400 cases of this amazing wine. A ruby/purple color is accompanied by an extraordinary nose of forest floor, spring flowers, blackberries, and sweet cherries. A steely structure gives way to a wine of superb depth, richness, dimensions, length, and purity. There are 400 cases of this astounding effort, which was aged in 75% new French oak. 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

A big, rich, dense, extracted Pinot. It’s tremendously rich in red and black cherry, rhubarb, pomegranate, cola and spice flavors, and feels elegant and balanced. This was a ripe vintage with a long hangtime, yet the wine shows no trace of supermaturity. Silky and crisp, it’s young now, with a pucker of cherry-skin tannins. Age this one. Best 2009—2015.——S.H.(7/1/2007)—— 94