2016 Rock's Edge zinfandel

"Sweet, crème-brûlée-like oak handily provides fine support to the intensely, deeply rendered, ripe berry fruit that is the headliner of yet another very rich member of the Bella family, and, if this wine shares in the potency that marks each of its mates, it is ever so slightly more polished in its youth. That said, it is still a very ageworthy Zinfandel with the structure to commend cellaring, however it is expressive right now, and one cannot go wrong setting it aside beyond its fifth birthday."

91 Points, Connoisseurs' Guide

Variety: 100% zinfandel

Appellation: Rockpile

Sensory Notes: This beautifully structured wine offers a gorgeous mix of sweet and savory elements, with layers of earth and leather underscoring juicy flavors of cherry, strawberry and red licorice. Bright and lively on the palate, but also, rich and mouth-filling, it draws to a long, satisfying conclusion. 

Vineyard Notes: The Rocky Ridge Vineyard is perched high above Lake Sonoma and the surrounding hills. Its high elevation, along with the thin, rocky soils that give this area its name, provide an excellent location for growing intense, low-yielding grapevines. The Westphall Vineyard in the Rockpile AVA produces smaller clusters with excellent varietal characteristics. 

Cellar Recommendations: Enjoy this wine through 2025.