Reviews

Wine Enthusiast Magazine

"91. A big, brawny, juicy Zin that shows the muscular style of Rockpile, and does so with considerable appeal. With powerhouse flavors of ripe, freshly picked blackberries and currants, sprinkled with anise, cocoa, black pepper, crushed cloves, star anise and vanilla, it finishes completely dry and smooth."

Wine X Magazine

91 for Bella Vetta's 2005 Rockpile Zinfandel

Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine

"Two stars; 94"

"Its ripe berry fruit jumps out of the glass and is joined by hints of concentrated stone fruits and a dollop of enriching oak in the inviting aromas. Full and slightly fleshy in its palatal impacts but well-balanced and polished, especially given the tendencies of its appellation to produce wines that are often on the rustic side, this one does bring youthful tannins into play at the finish and is recommended for a few years of cellaring in order to see it at its best."

Perry Rankin, Thirty Four North Wine Merchant

"This Zinfandel is very lush with really bright red fruits and exotic spices. The palate is rich and chewy and mirrors the aromas of raspberry and Bing cherry. A really nice texture lies ahead as well with very typical Rockpile dry tannins bringing up the rear behind really pretty fruit and concentration. Slightly smoky vanillin oak rounds out the finish here."

Dick Warner Wines

"Wow! Having been a wine merchant for 28 years and a zin fan forever, I was absolutely in love with this wine after one taste. This is the definition of a great wine... flawless, one whose various flavors show themselves individually and at the same time seamlessly meld together in a satisfying fusion that lingers on your palate. It is a must have for any person who loves zin. Remarkable for a first release."

— Dick Warner

Back Room Wines

"Taste big ripe raspberries, Asian spices, and ginger. The wine is juicy, bold, rich and smooth, with Rhone-like spice and pleasure. Fans of big Zin will definitely want to add this wine to their collections."

— Ryan Graham