There are very few plots of land in California that might be worthy of "Grand Cru" status, but if there was a quality rating on vineyards, Rochioli would most certainly be up there. The Rochioli's passion for fine wine and high-quality grape growing began in 1968 when Joe Jr. began planting Pinot Noir. Diverse soil coupled with cool coastal influences provide ideal conditions and reflect the singular character of the Russian River Valley. While the family does sell some grapes to notable Sonoma County producers such as Williams Selyem and Gary Farrell, they keep most of these prized grapes for themselves.
The Rochiolis have one of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in Sonoma County, and those old vines don't produce many grapes-- but the quality they give is unrivaled! You don't often see Rochioli wines on a retailer's shelves but we managed to score a few cases of this gem!
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "A bright silver/straw color, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is a single vineyard blend with 64% Old Vine Selection, 23% Clone 376, and the rest Hillside planting. Coming from other-worldly looking old vines, Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t get much better than this in California. Lovely flinty reduction frames this wine with a gorgeous, refined, floral perfume of wet stone, white currants, white pepper, grapefruit, and delicate baking spice. Medium-bodied, it has fantastic concentration, driving, mouthwatering, fresh acidity with a linear feel, and a fantastic, long finish with a chalky mineral texture. Exceptional and age-worthy, it deserves another couple of years in bottle to show its best. Drink 2026-2038."
The Rochiolis have one of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vineyards in Sonoma County, and those old vines don't produce many grapes-- but the quality they give is unrivaled! You don't often see Rochioli wines on a retailer's shelves but we managed to score a few cases of this gem!
JEB DUNNUCK 96 POINTS - "A bright silver/straw color, the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc is a single vineyard blend with 64% Old Vine Selection, 23% Clone 376, and the rest Hillside planting. Coming from other-worldly looking old vines, Sauvignon Blanc doesn’t get much better than this in California. Lovely flinty reduction frames this wine with a gorgeous, refined, floral perfume of wet stone, white currants, white pepper, grapefruit, and delicate baking spice. Medium-bodied, it has fantastic concentration, driving, mouthwatering, fresh acidity with a linear feel, and a fantastic, long finish with a chalky mineral texture. Exceptional and age-worthy, it deserves another couple of years in bottle to show its best. Drink 2026-2038."
