This Wine is Exceptional!
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%
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
PDF