In 1994, Jack Florence planted Zinfandel in the remote hills west of Dry Creek Valley and Healdsburg (Sonoma County), an area that would eight years later become the new Rockpile AVA, bringing cuttings from the St. Peters’ Church vineyard, which he farmed, and working with Rosenblum Cellars to produce wines that immediately gathered a following. Jack went on to plant several neighboring vineyards through the nineties, using the same clone of Zinfandel, resulting in the Rockpile area having such a consistent and recognizable character, that calls began for the creation of a new appellation.
Florence Vineyard was founded in 2020 and they sent me samples of recent releases.
2021 Florence Vineyard Petite Sirah Rockpile – Opaque purple in color. 15.4% ABV. Savory nose of black and blue fruits, scorched earth and flowers. Full bodied with tremendous acidity. Rich, plush and well balanced. Blackberry, blueberry liqueur, barbecued meats and bittersweet chocolate on the palate. The finish is long with drying tannins. More approachable than I might have expected but this will certainly age well. Best over the next 8-10 years. $60 at the winery. My rating: 94 points.
2022 Florence Vineyard Petite Sirah Rockpile – Dark as night in color. 14.6% ABV. Sublime nose of black and blue fruits, creosote, smoked meats and flowers. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Super lush and impeccably balanced. Black cherry, blueberry, plums and white pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Exceptionally well crafted Petite Sirah. You can enjoy this now but stick a few bottles in the cellar as well. Best over the next 10-12 years. $60 at the winery. My rating: 95 points.
Florence Vineyard is a new find for me and I look forward to following Jack’s wines in the years to come. Check them out!