2008 Pinot Noir, Rochioli Vineyard, Allen-Rochioli Blocks

2008 Pinot Noir
Rochioli Vineyard
Allen-Rochioli Blocks

When researching the history of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, there is no more recognizable, admired or envied grower than Joe Rochioli. So many have set out to rival his success, but all have fallen short. My relationship with him (and access to his grapes) has been the single most important contributor to my success in the wine industry. Considering only Williams Selyem, Gary Farrell, Rochioli and Alysian wineries receive allocations from his vineyard, we are indeed fortunate and grateful for Joe’s commitment to our new Alysian brand.

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Tasting Notes

Download Tasting Notes (PDF)

Vintage Summary

2008 was a tremendous vintage for producers favoring finesse and elegance in their wines. As you may recall, 2007 provided very bright, but highly extracted, dense wines from our region. While many enjoy this style, it is not the style of winemaking I have embraced during my career. Rather, I prefer more subtlety in my wines; with greater focus on purity of fruit, acute balance and elegance than density or power. Thankfully, 2008 provided ideal fruit composition for crafting wines of this style.

Winemaker Notes

As is generally true with our winemaking style, this wine is an investment in time. Without a doubt, its pedigree, acute balance and wildly exotic nuances are already evident and in good supply, but this wine will require time to fully express its deepest and innermost secrets. It is those mysteries, however, that make this wine so compelling and attractive; revealing a little more of its stunning personality with each taste. Cool climate acidity and elegant structure provide the perfect framework for its abundant fruit components; which include black cherry, blueberry, peppery spice and complimenting sandalwood. Always one of our most cellar-worthy and exciting releases from two of Russian River Valley’s most coveted vineyards.

Gary Farrell, winemaker

Cellar Notes

  • Vineyards and Clones

    Rochioli Vineyard: Dijon clones 115, 777 and Pommard 4
    Allen Vineyard: (farmed by Rochioli) Dijon clone 777

  • Harvest Information

    Harvest date: 8/28 and 8/30
    Hand harvested at night under lights
    Hand sorted in vineyard
    Average brix: 24.3 degrees

  • Grape Processing

    Cold fruit processed early AM
    Hand sorted prior to stem removal
    Hand sorted after stem removal

  • Fermentation

    Tanks: Small open tops
    Cold soak: 5 days
    Yeast: Combination wild and cultured
    Mixing: 3 manual punch downs daily
    Duration: 10 days

  • Barrel Program

    100% French oak
    Francois Freres, Rousseau
    40% new
    ML fermentation in barrel
    14 months in barrel

  • Finished Wine

    Alcohol: 14.3% by volume
    Titratable acidity: 6.65 gm/L
    pH: 3.44
    Bottling date: Nov. 24, 2009
    Production: 159 cases (9 liter equivalent)

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