United States · California

Rochioli

Rochioli Vineyards is a founding estate of the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir revolution, family-owned since the 1930s when Tom Rochioli Sr. planted the first vines in Westside Road. The estate's 100 acres of estate vineyards on Westside Road include some of the oldest Pinot Noir plantings in the Russian River Valley, and the Rochioli family was instrumental in defining the AVA's distinctive characteristics — cool fog influence, Goldridge sandy loam soils, and extended hang time. The estate produces a range of single-vineyard Pinot Noirs including the West Block, Three Corner Vineyard, Sweetwater, and River Block, plus a Chardonnay of outstanding quality from the same property. Most Rochioli wines are available only through the estate's mailing list; the secondary market represents the only way for most collectors to acquire them. With 570 lots averaging $75 per bottle, Rochioli trades well below its historical and qualitative status — a reflection of its position outside the media spotlight despite earning 90–96 points from critics. The West Block Pinot Noir — not listed among the top wines here but historically the estate's crown jewel — earns 95–98 points and trades at $150–300 when it appears. Williams Selyem was founded in part using Rochioli fruit, underscoring the estate's central role in establishing Russian River Valley Pinot's world-class reputation.