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%
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96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
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