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 Zinfandel Rockpile Reserve – Purple in color. 15.9% ABV. From a vineyard planted in 1994. Heady nose of black and blue fruits, cocoa, scorched earth and pepper. Full bodied with strong acidity and notable balance. Plush and opulent. Black cherry, blueberry liqueur, coffee and white pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Certainly a big wine but unquestionably well crafted. Serve at cellar temperature. Best over the next 2-3 years. $60 at the winery. My rating: 93 points.
2022 Florence Vineyard Zinfandel Rockpile Reserve – Opaque purple in color. Sublime nose of black fruits, licorice, baking spices and pepper. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Rich, decadent and well balanced. Black cherry, blackberry, spiced plums and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. One of the better Rockpile Zins in recent memory. Best over the next 3-5 years. $60 at the winery. My rating: 94 points.
This was my first time trying the Zins from Florence Vineyard and I look forward to following Jack’s wines in the years to come. Check them out!