Dashe Cellars
2022 Zinfandel
, Rocky Ridge Vineyard
Rockpile

This Wine is Exceptional!

This stunning wine opens with a reddish-purple color.  Impressive aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice leap from the glass.  The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate.  Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish.  Great aging potential.

Pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes like sausage pizza, grilled shish-kabobs, roasted rack of lamb and more.

VINEYARD
The Rockpile appellation is located in a tiny corner of the northernmost Dry Creek Valley and is famous for the flavorful Zinfandels that are grown on its rocky, arid slopes.  Some of Sonoma County's most recognized Zinfandels are grown in Rockpile--including those from wineries such as Biale, Bedrock, Bella, Rosenblum, Carol Shelton, Mauritson, and more.

WINEMAKING
In 2022, the Rocky Ridge Vineyard had very little rainfall.  The crop was reduced almost by half.  Grapes ripened relatively quickly, and were harvested on the 11th of September.  Hand-sorted to focus on only perfect fruit.  In the fermenter, the wine transformed into inky black within a day or two.  The fruit was fermented using only the natural yeast.  At dryness, gently pressed in a membrane press and pumped to 40% new and 60% 2-year or older 60-gallon French oak barrels.  During blending trials before bottling, a tiny amount of Petite Sirah helped with the complexity and texture of the wine.

Vintage:  2022
Varietals:  96% Zinfandel, 4% Petite Sirah
Vineyard:  Rocky Ridge Vineyard
Appellation:  Rockpile AVA, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Time in oak:  14 months in 40% New French oak
Alcohol:  14.8%

Tasting Notes  PDF

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