Had the opportunity to enjoy this gem of a bottle, a 1976 Fenton Acres Pinot Noir, vinified at the Davis Bynum winery by Gary Farrell. Fenton Acres is the name of the property which is now J. Rochioli Vineyards, by the far and away one of the most significant growers and producers of Pinot Noir in California. The grapes in this bottle are from their original East and West Blocks, planted in 1968, some of the earliest Pinot in Sonoma County. This was 10 years before Joe and Tom Rochioli started their own winemaking operation.
On the nose, a strong scent of violet and leather, and somehow, even still a little dark fruit.
The palate was nothing short of spectacular, the most beautiful tertiary goodness of leather complimented with a sort of savory finish, there was still a solid amount of dark/red fruit to complement it, truly unreal.
Gary Farrell would go on to found his own winery not far down the line, winning various awards along the way and becoming one of Sonoma’s most premier and well respected winemakers.
Pinot Noir grown by the Rochioli Family demands amongst the highest prices of any Pinot sold in California, and their West Block is the most exceptional. The West Block is what provided the grapes for Williams Selyem’s 1985 Pinot Noir that put the Russian River Valley on the map. They were farmers first who always focused on quality, once they realized they had something special, they pivoted and started making their best grapes into wine for themself.
The whole Rochioli family story is an amazing read. Joe Rochioli Jr. was a pioneer for quality grape growing and an epic farmer. Without him, it’s likely California Pinot would not exist, or be nearly close to the level it’s at. Truly the most historically significant bottle of American wine I’ve ever had.
by laIreadyknow