Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from four blocks at Westphall Ranch and Mauritson Campground Vineyard, farmed by the Gloeckner and Mauritson families—two of the founding grower families of the Rockpile appellation. Zinfandel grows along mountain ridgetops in shallow, iron-rich red rocky soils. The difficult conditions restrict yields and produce small, concentrated grapes associated with muscular, mineral-driven wines.
Grapes
100% Zinfandel.
Vinification
The grapes were handpicked between September 1 and 10, 2022, then sorted at the winery for uniformity. Fruit entered open-top tanks without pumping. Pneumatic punch-downs managed the cap throughout fermentation, and the wine remained on its skins for 10 days. It was then drained to barrel to finish primary and malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The four component blocks were assembled after 10 months and returned to barrel. Total maturation lasted 15 months in 11% new French oak and 89% neutral French and American oak.
Technical data
Alcohol: 15%. Total acidity: 5.3 g/L. pH: 3.87. Production: 1,440 cases.
Tasting profile
Bold and fruit-forward on entry, with black cherry, earthy spice and savory, faintly saline or umami-like nuances. Toasted French-oak tones add depth. Textural tannins persist across the mid-palate, becoming tightly woven through the long finish.
Serving and pairing
The combination of concentrated fruit and robust structure suits barbecued meats, pasta dishes and aged Gouda.
Vintage notes
The 2022 season began with substantially below-average winter rainfall and a frost period extending into late April. Cooler May and June weather brought development closer to the seasonal norm, while July and August warmed significantly and caused some sunburn. Extreme heat around Labor Day accelerated ripening and produced one of the estate’s fastest harvests. Picking took place September 1–10, 2022.
