The name conjures a tough row of dirt to farm and that’s precisely the nature of this appellation! Vineyards here share one rocky ridge, an active earthquake fault and an elevation of between 800-2000 feet elevation. The little known secret to this story, though, is a unique climatic condition characterized by moderate air temperatures, low moisture and a constant breeze. The result? Tough vines producing limited yields of exceptionally concentrated fruit.
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.
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.
The growing conditions of the 2007 vintage were ideal: warmer average daily temperatures, low crop yields, smaller berry size, and ample hang time. The resulting grapes were perfectly ripe, yet still yielded amazing complexity and tannin. Cobbler black fruit in the nose is graciously accented by hints of oak and spice. Concentrated and commanding in the front palate, the supple tannins of the 2007 are evident in the mid-palate and finish. The ripe blackberry flavors linger before the black pepper spice of this vineyard shows itself. While more approachable young than previous vintages, this wine will continue to age beautifully for the next 5-7 years.
2006 Petite Sirah Rockpile - Madrone Spring Vineyard
More often than not, Petite Sirah is done the disservice of being used as a blending wine. On the rare occasion that it is bottled as a variety, it usually has generous amounts of Zinfandel blended into it to make it softer. The 2006 Madrone Spring Vineyard Petite Sirah is 100% Petite Sirah, 100% from Rockpile, and there is nothing petite about it. Consider yourself warned!
There is no mistaking the density of the wine simply by swirling 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 fruit which is perfectly accented by the hints of sweet oak. The front palate lets you know that this wine has a long life ahead of it. Broad tannins sweep across your mouth like a dense fog enveloping the coastline. The fruit returns in the form of a black cherry bon-bon; rich and complex.
If you have the self restraint, this wine will age beautifully for the next 7-10 years. It may take you that long to get the stains off or your teeth….
CASES: 297
VINEYARD: Madrone Spring Vineyard
PRICE: $37 (4-bottle limit)
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.Every year that the vines are in the ground the wines get better and better, the 2007 vintage is no exception.
Meaty and floral in the nose, this wine exhibits flavors of bacon, blueberry, fresh meat and lavender. Soft and lush on the palate, our Syrah is a proud relative of the elegant wines of the Northern Rhone. It is the subtle nuances that amaze you about this wine, every tastes provides a spectacular new experience. The finish is graceful and powerful at the same time, giving you insight as to how the wine will age for the next 5-7 years.
CASES: 257
VINEYARD: Madrone Spring Vineyard
PRICE: $38
Back in the old days, when you wanted to find a big buck, you went to the area of the ranch called the Buck Pasture. These days you’ll find more big wines than big bucks coming from the Buck Pasture.
The nose is elegant yet powerful, restrained yet complex. The initial aromas showcase the amazing Malbec fruit and finish with earth and herbs. The fruit is dusty strawberry accented with cassis and black cherry. The range of flavors is seemingly never ending; lavender, earth, tobacco, vanilla and 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.
Elegant yet powerful in the nose, this is quintessential Malbec. The initial aromas of ripe strawberries, dried fruit, and dust are complimented by wet dirt and herbs. The wine is fresh and vibrant on the front palate, with loads of red fruit and a dash of white pepper. The tannins of this Bordeaux varietal are present from start to finish, but without the normal astringency that can accompany it. Quite the opposite, the Rockpile Malbec exhibits a lush mouth feel with rich accents along the way. The youthful tannins on the finish make you aware that the wine will age gracefully for the next 8-10 years, but it is more than enjoyable now.
2007 Independence Red Wine 23% Tinta Cão, 23% Touriga Nacional, 23% Sousão, 23% Tinta Madeira and 8% Tannat
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 2007 “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.
elevation of between 800-2000 feet elevation. The little known secret to this story, though, is a unique climatic condition characterized by moderate air temperatures, low moisture and a constant breeze. The result? Tough vines producing limited yields of exceptionally concentrated fruit.
