J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Russian River Valley River Block 2009

Fresh apple tart with some caramel, hazelnut qualities. A zesty, smoky tropical fruit nose. Really a spectacular chard!! - Tasted at winery 4/21/10

I should just xerox the reviews for this wine from year to year since it is so consistent. Though it's at the bottom rung of the Rochioli price ladder, it is always a wonderfully fresh and lively Chardonnay with great fruit purity and no element out of balance. While a smidgeon tight when first uncorked, the 2008 opens nicely as it warms up to show off its slightly floral sweet citrus fruits and subtle spice, honey, and roasted-nut-like components. Clean and refreshing feeling in the mouth, crisp finish. At this point I'd rate it just a tad below the excellent 2007 Estate.

92 points. What I like most about this wine is its ability to pick you up and take you somewhere, to give you the full experience of savoring its unique sense of place. On the nose, you are immediately greeted by sea stone and an excellent, oceanic quality. It’s extremely crisp, but there is also a bit of tropical flowers and kitchen spice that make the wine fascinatingly appealing. This wine opens soft, with a reserved, tropical fruit, apple, and spiced pastry quality. This then gives way distinctly to a creamy, more oak-influenced core, complete with elegant vanilla and butter tones. This really is a beautiful wine, and it could be one of the most refined Chardonnays that I have had from anywhere in California. It’s just gorgeously structured, clearly with an Old World style in mind, and its finish, which seems to last indefinitely, is exceptional. Not inexpensive at $60, but this has got to be one of the finest examples of Chardonnay that I have tried at this, or any other price point, in this part of the world. I can say without a doubt, you’ll get every bit of your money’s worth from this wine. Source: What's Worth Drinking: Post #32: Russian River Valley Chardonnay ( http://whatsworthdrinking.com/2010/06/24/post-32-russian-river-valley-chardonnay/ )

I really like how smooth this Chard is. Buttery and not a whole lot of oak.

Tastes on berries and earth. Lot's going on for a young vine wine. A total value for a Rochioli pinot.

Truly a lovely wine. Dark cherry, spice, hint of acid. Smooth.