Rockpile AVA (designated in April 2002) is based on an elevation cut line at 800 feet — the inversion fog break line. It sits above the Dry Creek Valley AVA and is cooler than lower locations nearby, often by 15 degrees. This allows longer hang time, which makes for better tannin maturity. Carol Shelton says, “This is what Cab would be if it could be,” and I would agree that it is quite Cabernet-like in character, but with brighter acidity and livelier fruit. Typical Zinfandel it is not — polish with pizzazz is a good summation. Expect brambly fruit, pepper, classy oak toast, a long finish and a long life in the cellar.
Carol Shelton, Rockpile, Sonoma County (California) Zinfandel 2018
By Rich Cook