The 2009 Pinot Noir West Block is an exotic wine bursting with dark red cherries, kirsch, hard candy, flowers, licorice and spices. There is plenty of energy, tension and supporting structure to balance some of the wine’s more overt, explosive leanings. The finesse of the 2009 vintage comes across nicely on the polished finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. I came away deeply impressed by the wines I tasted with Tom Rochioli. The 2010 Chardonnays are absolutely gorgeous. The cold, late-harvest provides a wonderful balance to the inherent richness that is typically present in the wines. Rochioli is one of the later growers to pick. The 2010 Chardonnays were fermented in barrel. Rochioli stirred the lees every week until January, then once every few weeks until the wines were moved to tank in July. The wines spent three weeks in tank and were bottled in August 2011. The Pinot Noirs are stunning in both 2009 and 2010. As is the case throughout the Sonoma Coast, the 2009s are more consistent across the board, but the best 2010s may very well prove to be superior. For now what is certain is that the 2010 Pinots show a level of verve and focus that is missing from the 2009s. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with any of these big, exuberant Pinots. Tom Rochioli is a bit of recluse, which means his wines remain known only to a relatively small group of consumers. Prices are very reasonable considering the quality of what is in the bottle.Tel. (707) 433-2305

It is difficult to say the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Pinot Noir West Block is superior, but it offers beautiful blueberry, raspberry, and kirsch-like fruit, full-bodied power, sweet ripeness and density, and a lavish, extroverted style. The wine is creamy and expansive with silky tannins as well as wonderful depth. This is another beautiful portfolio of wines from Tom Rochioli. Since they all possess a similar style, one can quibble over just how much difference there is between all the different cuvees of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, there are subtle differences that I will do my best to articulate. With respect to his Pinot Noirs, Rochioli completely destems his grapes, does a cold soak for 4-5 days, and keeps the wines in 100% Francois Freres French cooperage for 14-16 months or less. The wines are racked directly from barrel to tank, and are bottled without fining or filtration.Tel. (707) 433-2305; Fax (707) 433-2358