Our Family’s Rockpile Ridge Vineyard is located at nearly 1,200 ft elevation in the Rockpile appellation. In 2006 we harvested fruit from all nine blocks of Zinfandel in the Rockpile Ridge Vineyard. We pick the blocks at different times, and ferment these separately to insure the integrity and uniqueness of the individual blocks. Working with nine amazingly distinct blocks is a winemaking dream come true, and is what makes our Rockpile Ridge Zinfandel so spectacular. The unusually cool summer of 2006 was blessing for Zinfandel fans. The bright nose of blackberry and ripe cherry are complemented by hints of vanilla, black pepper, and minerals. Vivid fruit dominates the front palate, giving way to soft and supple tannins.

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This vineyard is characterized by its perfect western sun exposures, red volcanic soil, and steep slope. The sun exposure provides phenolic maturity without over ripe flavors. The soil composition and extreme slop are what really set this Zinfandel apart. The result of deep root systems and stressed vines, the nose is blend of minerals and spices. The tannins are very well integrated, allowing you to appreciate the full array of flavors being set forth by this wine.

Opulent and lush, the Jack's Cabin Zinfandel is definitely the jammiest of all the Rockpile zinfandels. There’s no mistaking the raspberry and blackberry in the nose, but it’s the subtle hints of chocolate, vanilla, and black pepper that heighten your senses. The mouth is big and round, full of soft velvet. For all of the ripe fruit, this wine still exhibits the Rockpile signature of great intensity and full tannins. This goes to show, there is a Rockpile Zinfandel for everyone, and some of us, there may be four.

The Cemetery block gets its name from the unusual outcropping of rock at the bottom of the vineyard that resembles giant headstones. On top of being planted in serpentine and shale, this block has the disadvantage of straddling the Rogers Creek fault, one of the more active earthquake faults in Northern California. With a southwestern sun exposure, 15 to 20 degree slope, and the previous mentioned soil, the wine is everything you might expect; intense, powerful, and complex.

Dense black fruit in the nose is graciously accented by hints of oak and spice. Concentrated and commanding in the front palate, you start to truly get a sense of Rockpile in the full mid-palate tannins. The chalky tannins give way to a long, rich finish; don’t be surprised if you still taste it tomorrow.

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The 2005 Madrone Springs Vineyard Petite Sirah is in a word, HUGE! There is no mistaking the density of the wine when you swirl it in your glass. The black and violet hues cling to the glass, not only showing off the color, but the viscosity as well. The nose is a mixture of minerals and black current which is perfectly accented by the hints of sweet oak. The front palate lets you know that this wine has a long life ahead. Broad tannins sweep across your mouth like a dense fog enveloping the coastline. The fruit returns in the form of a chocolate cherry bon-bon; rich and complex, leading you to think, “I can’t have just one”. The finish is seemingly never-ending. You may be tasting it in your sleep, or then again, it could just be a dream…

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The Madrone Spring block, named after a year round spring that flows out of the roots of an old Madrone tree, receives minimal sun due to its eastern exposure. It is the last block harvested year in and year out, and it shows in the complexity of flavor. We envisioned this site yielding a Northern Rhone style of Syrah and we have not been disappointed. Meaty and floral in the nose, this wine exhibits flavors of lavender, bacon, blueberry, and fresh meat. The depth in the palate is complemented by the complexity of tannin, yielding a perfectly balanced wine. Supple and elegant, it is the subtle nuances that amaze you about this wine, every tastes provides a spectacular new experience.

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We had every intention of our “Buck Pasture” being a traditional Bordeaux blend, Cabernet based with some combination of the other four varieties. Once again, we underestimated Rockpile; not only was the Malbec truly phenomenal, but the Cabernet was massive. In our trial blends, it became obvious that the Cabernet was dominating the wine. The tannins were overpowering, the earth and tobacco notes were dominating, and the palate might have come around in about 20 years. Hence, the Malbec based wine.

The nose is elegant yet powerful, restrained yet complex. The initial aromas showcase the amazing Malbec fruit and finish with earth, herbs, and terrior of the other varietials. The fruit is dusty strawberry accented with cassis and black cherry. The range of flavors is seemingly never ending; lavender, earth, tobacco, vanilla, coffee. There is no doubt that this wine is a baby. The intricacy of the tannins is amazing, broad and full, this wine will age beautifully for the next 10 years.

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In 1999 when we started planting our Rockpile vineyards, I seized the opportunity to fulfill one of my lifelong wine dreams: to make a true vintage port, using the authentic Portuguese varietals. We planted four of the “Big Five” varietals that make up port, as well as taking some creative liberty in planting Tannat. We have exhausted every effort to make this wine as true to a vintage port as possible, all the way down to stomping the grapes with our feet. For you port lovers out there, I think you’ll be very impressed! The 2006 “Independence” boasts a dense black/purple color. The incredible viscosity of this wine is apparent from the second you pour it into your glass. Rich aromas of chocolate and vanilla are complemented by the fragrance of dark fruits and toasted nuts. Full and gluttonous in the front palate, phenomenal tannins lay just below the surface of this heady wine. The finish is surprisingly lush and long for such a young wine. This wine should age incredibly well over the next 10-15 years.

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