2012 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Little Hill

Dark cherries, plums, spices and star anise take shape in the 2012 Pinot Noir Little Hill. A big, broad-shouldered wine, the Little Hill impresses for its breadth and ample, resonant personality. There is a real sensation of tannin and weight on the finish here. Ideally, the 2012 is best left alone for another year or two.

I thought the 2012 Pinot Noir Little Hill was a dead-ringer for a grand cru Richebourg from France. It offers layers and layers of black raspberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with a subtle hint of toast, a full-bodied mouthfeel and a decadent, luxurious finish that goes on and on. It should drink well for 8-10 years. Most knowledgeable people in the wine world have enormous respect for the integrity, honesty and exceptionally high quality of the wines emanating from the Rochioli Vineyards in the Russian River area. Currently, Tom Rochioli runs the show, and if you are not on their mailing list, chances are you only have an opportunity to purchase their Estate Chardonnay, Estate Pinot Noir, and possibly their Sauvignon Blanc. Mailing list customers have access to their best single vineyard wines. The consistency of these wines, even in less than ideal vintages, has been remarkable over my career. When I saw Tom Rochioli in October, he was thrilled with what 2012 had provided, and was even more excited by the fact that 2013 may be even better. The Pinot Noirs are largely produced from different clonal materials, and each parcel represents different blocks within the Rochioli estate vineyards. Tel. (707) 433-2305