Winemaker Notes:

The 2020 Vintage had a great growing season with a perfect balance between hot and cool weather that allowed the grapes to ripen with an optimal balance of acid and sugar. Most of the grapes were harvested before an early thunderstorm that started fires all over California, including Sonoma County, made fermentation difficult. I am happy to say that the Rochioli Vineyards were not affected by the smoke taint the press talked so much about. The 2020 vintage has bright fruit tones of red cherry and cola, and having tasted it extensively, I can assure you there is no hint of smoke.

As with all my pinots, the 2020 has a long lingering finish that leaves you craving more. I have always said that you don’t have to finish the bottle because the wine tastes better the next day. I have tried the wine after 3 days and it was still drinking well. With a PH of 3.5 it should age for at least ten years and won’t hit its prime for 4 to 7 years, so the longer you wait to drink it the better it will be.