In previous designated bottlings from both the Rochioli and Allen Vineyards, we have always selected fruit from only the oldest blocks for the crafting of these wines. This offering is no exception, as it is a blend from the original Rochioli "mother block," the adjoining Rochioli block to the east and the Allen tri-corner block just to the south. These are the old-vine blocks, (planted around 1970) and the components of all previously bottled Gary Farrell single-vineyard designates from the Rochioli Vineyard and Allen Vineyard.
• 100% Pinot Noir
• 100% Russian River Valley
• 57% Rochioli Vineyard (old blocks)
• 43% Allen Vineyard (tri-corner block)
In 2000, we were in awe of each of these vineyard-block components independently, but even more stunned by the blend of wines produced from these blocks. We should not be surprised, as vineyard blending often combines the finest attributes of each component in a single bottling … creating a more interesting, complex and complete wine.
A dazzling array of dark berries, peppery spice and smoky aromas lead to huge expressions of blackberry, plum and spice on the palate. Luscious oak and moderate, incredibly well fit tannins follow, with precise acidity completing the package and promising tremendous longevity for this youthful wine under optimum cellaring conditions.
Bottled Wine Statistics:
• 326 cases produced
• 13.8% alcohol by volume
• .66 gm/100 ml total titratable acidity
• 3.43 pH
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