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 95 POINTS - "The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc Estate reveals silver leaf, white pepper, and white pineapple tones and is morphing into something special. Sourced from old vines selected by taste by Tom Rochioli, it balances tropical hints with focus and precision. Not overtly tropical, it instead leans into intensity, structure, and tension that should continue to develop beautifully over the next decade. Drink over the coming 10 years."
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "This is lovely, with a long and caressing feel to its core of Key lime, golden kiwifruit, gooseberry and lemon curd. Verbena, honeysuckle and thyme flavors add contrast and range through the finish, which glistens beautifully, leaving a piercing echo of fleur de sel. Drink now through 2034."
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 95 POINTS - "The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc Estate reveals silver leaf, white pepper, and white pineapple tones and is morphing into something special. Sourced from old vines selected by taste by Tom Rochioli, it balances tropical hints with focus and precision. Not overtly tropical, it instead leans into intensity, structure, and tension that should continue to develop beautifully over the next decade. Drink over the coming 10 years."
WINE SPECTATOR 94 POINTS - "This is lovely, with a long and caressing feel to its core of Key lime, golden kiwifruit, gooseberry and lemon curd. Verbena, honeysuckle and thyme flavors add contrast and range through the finish, which glistens beautifully, leaving a piercing echo of fleur de sel. Drink now through 2034."
