Vineyard: Sweetwater

OwnerJoe Rochioli
AppellationRussian River Valley
VarietiesPinot Noir
ManagersJoe Rochioli

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery Sweetwater Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

1 4.5% alc., $86. · Moderately deep garnet color in the glass. Very reserved aromas of dark red cherry and spice upon opening. Mid weight flavors of dark red cherry and strawberry with a bit of spice. The wine is lifted by good acidity and tamed by velvety tannins. A slight touch of oak plies the background. Much more expressive on the nose and palate when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle showing admirable elegance. This wine has a younger vine character compared to the Little Hill bottling which shows the complexity and structure that comes with older vines. Still, it is a damn good wine. Score: 95. Reviewed May 3, 2020 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 DRNK Cavers Cuvée Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.67, 196 cases, $32. From DRNK Wines in Sebastopol. Sourced from Saralee’s, Hallberg Ranch, and Sweetwater Ranch vineyards. Winemaker is Ryan R. Knude. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is shy upon opening and better the following day from a previously opened bottle. Aromas of dark red cherry, brewed tea and gingerbread. A pleasant, easy drinking wine with a mid weight core of slightly sweet cherries with notes of spice, cola and oak. Respectable balance with mild tannins and some finishing power. Score: 88. Reviewed January 20, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Rochioli Estate Grown Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $54. Primarily sourced from Sweetwater Vineyard and includes new West Block plantings. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Big, effusive nose of ripe Bing cherries. Medium weight flavors of dark red cherries with accents of cola, oak vanillin and loamy earth in the background. A real crowd pleaser with that signature Middle Reach luscious cherry fruit, but tempered nicely by balanced tannins and acidity to make a complete wine that finishes bright and juicy. Very good. Reviewed February 27, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »