WTN: Stuart Little

by **David M. Bueker** » Sat Jul 01, 2023 6:32 pm

2009 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Little Hill - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (6/30/2023)
From my dad’s cellar, this was my first Rochioli Pinot in years, and what a wine. Still quite young, with boisterous dark cherry fruit, but then underneath all that juicy joy there was a deeper, more savory base of damp earth, moss, a touch of soy and a dash of cinnamon. Very complex aromatics that were then echoed on the palate. The fruit was sweet and fresh, and tethered to the earthy foundation. I wish I had multiples of this, but there was only one left in dad’s collection. Fascinating, and makes me want to look for current Rochioli Pinots despite having zero need to explore more producers.

by **Jenise** » Sun Jul 02, 2023 11:56 am

Sounds like a gem, and from a warm vintage no less.

by **David M. Bueker** » Sun Jul 02, 2023 1:35 pm

I don't know a ton about 2009 in the Russian River Valley. A warm vintage would help explain the still copious fruit.