The Flagship
97 James Suckling, 95 Jeb Dunnuck A wine with ultra-rich mid palate and finish that comes in wave, upon waves.
A saturated dark red- purple in color, with aromas of roasted coffee beans, dark chocolate, scorched earth, black cherry and just a touch savoriness. On the palate this is everything you could ever want from a Syrah - lush front palate that is loaded with pure black cherry, Rockpile minerality, subtle notes of lavender, graphite and roasted Herbs de Provence that builds up into an ultra-rich mid palate and finish that comes in wave, upon waves.
58 cases produced. Will age effortlessly in the Cohn Zone: drink now - 2039.
Rockpile is one of the smallest AVAs in the nation, producing ultra-premium hillside fruit. In 1991, Rod and Cathy Park converted a dilapidated former sheep ranch into Rockpile Vineyard.
At 2010-ft. elevation, the vineyard sites are hilly and of course, rocky. Above the fog line, the vineyard's terroir stresses the vines, but the average temperature range from 50 - 80º provides for a wonderful growing season, allowing for full ripening. The soil composition of granite, loam, clay, and quartz gives the fruit a strong mineral component. Altogether, this vineyard yields amazing fruit. Each Rockpile Syrah is truly unique in its depth and profile.
I began working with this sustainably farmed vineyard in 1998 and still love it because I know Syrah panted at high elevations in rocky soils are a match made in heaven.
