There are 250 cases of the dark ruby-colored, more elegant, restrained, mineral-dominated 2005 Pinot Noir East Block. Produced from a cooler exposition, it reveals sweet raspberry and black cherry fruit, a crushed rock character, full body, and beautiful length as well as depth. Like most of these single vineyard offerings, 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

From the first Pinot block on the estate (1968), and from an unknown clone sourced from a long-forgotten Napa vineyard. The block is now being replanted. This is the Pinot that established Rochioli’s reputation, and the bottling remains a superstar. The ’05 is very dry, crisp and full-bodied, with a flood of cherry-pie filling, pomegranate, rhubarb, Beefsteak tomato and flashy new oak. It’s young and immature in tannins, and needs cellaring. Best after 2009, it will gain complexity through 2015.——S.H.(7/1/2007)—— 95