Nice flavors, with blackberries, pepper, licorice and beef jerky, but the wine is a little sweet and way too soft for balance.——S.H.(11/1/2009)—— 83

The top wine in this portfolio is the 2005 Zinfandel Rockpile Road Vineyard, a blend of 93% Zinfandel and 7% Petite Sirah. An opaque dark ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of crushed rocks, spring flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, and kirsch. This complex, dense, full-bodied Zin possesses good underlying minerality as well as beautifully integrated acidity and tannin. It is a superb offering that should drink nicely for 7-8 years. The ever reliable Kent Rosenblum continues to turn out a portfolio of delicious Zinfandels. Along with Napa’s Biale family and a short list of other North Coast producers, Rosenblum Cellars is as good as it gets when it comes to Zinfandel.Tel. (877) GR78-ZINS