2016 Rockpile Winery Zinfandel ($47)

This Rockpile Zinfandel is produced by Mauritson wines in Heldsburg CA.

The Rockpile Ridge Vineyard is located at nearly 1,200 feet in elevation in the Rockpile appellation. This vineyard has sweeping sun exposures from southeast to northwest and consists of nine distinctly different blocks of Zinfandel. The blocks are harvested at different times and fermented separately to ensure the integrity and uniqueness of the individual blocks. The winery’s notes state “Working with the different sun exposures, soil compositions, slopes and drainages is a winemaking dream come true.”

This Rockpile Ridge Vineyard Zinfandel gets a bit of a boost from the addition of 5% Petite Sirah.

It’s pale ruby in color with aromas of blue berry, blackberry and boysenberry jam. It’s easy on the palate with soft tannin and a light, peppery finish. This is truly an outstanding wine that deserves to be included in the Behind the Cork™ “Exceptional Wines” feature.

Checkout all the Mauriton Family wines on www.mauritsonwines.com or visit the Mauritson Family Winery at 2859 Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg California. Cheers!