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%
Temperature Control Shipping
All Central, Midwest & Eastern orders ship via temp control truck.
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.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
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.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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