Rockpile Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel 2018 (75cl)

A high-elevation Zinfandel from the Rockpile AVA in Sonoma County, California, produced by Rockpile Winery. The 2018 bottling blends 95% Zinfandel with 5% Petite Sirah. Fruit comes from the Rockpile Ridge Vineyard, consistently among the last picks of the season because of its elevated position and cooler nighttime temperatures. The steep, rocky terrain and significant diurnal temperature swings stress the vines into producing small, intensely flavoured berries, while the Petite Sirah reinforces structure and colour depth. The nose opens with ripe boysenberry and black cherry cordial, moist pipe tobacco and black licorice, with smoky oak, dried herb and crushed rock. The palate presents dense blackberry and black raspberry, then cola, nutmeg, cinnamon and black tea tannins. The finish is long, with dried herb, dark cocoa and lingering crushed stone minerality.