People often start on their red wine journey with this variety for its fruity accessibility. Those in the know go on to appreciate its myriad expressions, with each locale, picking decisions and handling choices offering so many different experiences. This rich blend of two Rockpile AVA vineyards (Rocky Ridge Vineyard and Westphall Vineyard) shows great ripeness — think blackberry pie — but also shows depth of aroma and flavor, with elements like damp earth, root beer, white pepper and cinnamon. Racy acidity keeps it all together through a long, satisfying finish that begs a rare strong cheese platter. Great Zinfandel!
Bella, Rockpile (Sonoma County, California) Zinfandel 2015
By Rich Cook