Our 2008 Rockpile Zinfandel opens with ripe red-fruit aromas touched with French toast spices and dark caramel. Demonstrating its mountain origins, the wine is big, deep and resplendent with dark fruit. Boysenberry and black plum dominate the smooth, supple palate. Complex wood tannins hold the fruit, easing the wine into a long and lasting finish. For a truly regional experience, pair with roasted boar, a native companion in the surrounding hills.

Wine maker notes

"Making this wine is like adopting a kid who is already 17,” says winemaker John Kane. "The character is already built in the vineyard. My job is just to guide it into the bottle.” After harvest, we cold soaked the grapes at 45º F to allow phenolics to develop. During fermentation, we used the native Rockpile yeast isolate, in addition to others, to further intensify the vineyard character in the wine. Barrel aging contributed additional structure and density.

Technical notes

Total Acidity: 5.7 g/l 15.0% abv pH:3.95

Other text

The 2008 vintage kept us on our toes. Early bloom, late frost, lightning, fire—we had it all. A beneficial rest from extremes in July and August allowed the grapes to developed ripe sugars and complex flavors. Although yields were down overall, the grapes showed good character and quality.