"An elegant, smooth, spicy and lengthy zinfandel that drinks like a smooth Napa and a terrific value! Although the 2006 is too early for review, the 2005 received glowing reviews from both Wine Spectator and Robert Parker yet the price did not skyrocket. Pick up this sleeper before the buzz pushes the price up." - Nick's Notes

The vineyards owned by the Florence family sit at about 1200 ft above sea level, overlooking beautiful Lake Sonoma in the upper Dry Creek Valley. The property was propagated in the mid-1990s with Zinfandel bud-wood from the historic, 120-year-old St. Peter’s Church vineyard located in Cloverdale. The old clone and high elevation in combination with rocky soil conditions and cool maritime breezes all come together to make one of the worlds best Zinfandels. Rich and robust, flavors of blackberry, black cherry and raspberry mingle with spice and vanilla in the nose. True to its acclaimed linage the 2006 Rockpile Road Vineyard Zinfandel is a stunner.

This rich Zinfandel will nicely accompany hearty pasta and grilled marinated salmon, slow-smoked pork ribs, or duck à l’orange.