2004 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Little Hill
International Wine Cellar | Rating: 92
($60) Dark red. Captivating aromas of raspberry, strawberry and sexy oak spice. Sweet, lush and round, with terrific sap and lift to the fruit-driven flavors of red berries and spices. Finishes firm but thoroughly ripe, with fine, dusty tannins and superb persistence. This is a stunning set of pinots from Rochioli: structured and sappy, with utterly delicious and seductively sweet red fruit and spice flavors.Author: Stephen TanzerIssue: January/February 2007Wine Advocate | Rating: 97
One of the larger production offerings is the 400-case cuvee of 2004 Pinot Noir Little Hill Vineyard. Its floral, blueberry, raspberry, and sweet kirsch-like perfume is accompanied by liquid minerality notes. The deep ruby/purple-tinged color, intense fruit, broad, savory mid-palate, stunning purity, and good structure are reminiscent of a grand cru from Flagey Echezeaux. It should be consumed over the next decade. Kudos to Tom Rochioli, one of the truly great guys of the wine business.Author: Robert ParkerWine Spectator | Rating: 93
Ripe and expressive, with a mix of black cherry, wild berry and raspberry fruit that's intense and concentrated. Finishes with a burst of fruit, herb and spice, with earthy, minerally tannins. Should age nicely. 400 cases made.Author: James LaubeBurghound | Rating: 91
This is ever so slightly riper with a more deeply pitched yet layered nose of red berry fruit, spice and warm earth hints that can also be found on the concentrated and attractively textured flavors that run to a sappy and dusty finish that delivers serious length. In addition to a bit more overall depth, the aspect that really differentiates this from the East Block is the better acid integration on the finish. Good stuff here.Author: Allen MeadowsIssue: 4th Quarter, 2007
Self | Rating: 91
spice and bing cherries along with a hint of violets. a very nice pinot with good balance and a long finish.Drink Dates: 2008-2015Author: Serl ZSelf | Rating: 95
Unbelievable. By far the best of the single vineyards from 2004. Drink now or up to another 4 years.Author: Spank
The result has been a decades-long tradition of outstanding vintages: Silky-smooth, fruit-forward Pinot Noirs; rich, opulent Chardonnays; and tangy, food-friendly Sauvignon Blancs.
California is the heartland of wine production in the US, and the state that brought prestige to American wine thanks to the pioneers who built early wineries like Staglin, Beringer, Ridge, Mayacamas and Chateau Montelena in the 1800s. Its large geographic area ensures a great diversity in growing sites, varieties grown, and quality levels. Generalizations about the state's wines have numerous exceptions; however, a few key facts generally hold true—ample sunshine, dry weather during the growing season, and moderate winters prevail. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon continue to dominate the state's production—albeit in continually smaller percentages, as growers continue to diversify. More than 100 different varieties can be found throughout the state.
Collector Data For This Wine
- 220 bottles owned
- 79 collectors
- Average collector rating: 93
(Out of 79 collectors)