2017 Castalia Rochioli Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $60. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Very earthy aromas present upon opening with cherry and leather in the background. Suave in the mouth, with plenty of appealing black cherry and raspberry fruits with undertones of earth, mushroom, spice and sarsaparilla. The tannins are silken making the wine approachable upon opening, but the wine is considerably more fruit-centric and aromatic when sampled the following day from a previously opened bottle. The cherry-driven finish shows excellent persistence. This wine does not possess the sap of the J. Rochioli Pinot Noirs, but with a more earthy character is equally appealing in its own way. Review May 3, 2020. Score: 94. Reviewed August 22, 2021

Winery: Castalia
From article: Elite California Pinot Noir Vineyards Part II: North Coast - Russian River Valley