2022 Roco 'The Stalker' Pinot Noir

Dried cranberry, dark chocolate, and blackberry share the profile with distinct notes of bergamot tea, oregano, and loamy earth. The medium-bodied palate delivers flavors of black raspberry, cola, and tart cherry, supported by a firm, structured tannic grip. Bright acidity balances the earthy complexity, leading to a long finish marked by savory cedar and black pepper.

Hand-picked fruit is chilled overnight and fully de-stemmed for a 10-day cold soak. The removed stems are kept separately under inert gas for seven days to age and eliminate aggressive, green flavors. Fermentation begins when these aged stalks are punched back into the whole berry grape vats twice daily. The wine is gently pressed, undergoes full malolactic fermentation, and ages for nine months in neutral French oak barrels.

Vines are located across multiple elevated vineyard sites within the Willamette Valley AVA. The terroir features marine sedimentary soils that naturally encourage deep root systems. A spring frost impacted early bud break during the 2022 vintage, but warm conditions throughout September and October allowed the fruit to mature fully while retaining high natural acidity.