96 Pts
Named after the hand-carved wooden Buffalo that overlooks the vineyard, this is the rockiest section. Located at 2000 ft elevation, the vineyard has soils of clay, loam and granite quartz. The granite adds a mineral backbone to the weight that the clay creates in the wine. What amazes me the most about this wine, is how over the years this wine has changed and has been so consistent at the same time. Over the years I continue to work with larger percentages of whole cluster additions which I feel add not only more complexity, but also make this wine more compelling and balanced.
On the palate it is full bodied, lush, and very giving. Showing a sense of intensity, richness and the Rockpile minerality that is the backbone of this wine. Focused on black cherry, graphite, and savory notes. Although this wine has the structure to live 20+ years if stored in a proper cellar. Decanting for 1 to 2 hours would do the trick and then enjoy over a long meal. Sensual is the best word to describe this wine. I have been fortunate to make this wine since 2005 and have seen the maturity of this vineyard that has allowed us to not only make wines of concentration and intensity, but wines that I feel are in the top echelon of Syrah.
Will age effortlessly in the Cohn Zone: drink now - 2041.
A huge, layered and concentrated wine that’s also velvety and appealing. Drenched in black fruits, dark oak spices, cocoa and graphite on a full body. Backed by strong, well-integrated tannins. Rich on the palate and long in the finish.
93 Pts
Offers structure and depth, with a graphite and licorice undercurrent that weaves through notes of grilled rosemary, violet, blackberry and plum. The tannins are firm but don’t get in the way. Finishes as it began. Still, give this some air or bottle age.
Located at 2000 ft elevation, the vineyard has clay, loam and granite quartz soil. The granite adds a mineral backbone to the weight that the clay creates in the wine. 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. Buffalo Hill is named after the hand-carved wooden Buffalo that overlooks this part of the vineyard, the rockiest section. Rod had been the interim chancellor at Colorado University from 1994-1997 and his children commissioned this piece to celebrate his work there.
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 planted at high elevations in rocky soils is a match made in heaven.
