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.
2023 Florence Vineyard Petite Sirah Rockpile – Opaque purple in color. 14.6% ABV. Stunning nose of black and blue fruits, Whitman Sampler box and molten licorice. Full bodied with ample acidity. Well balanced with impressive structure and concentration. Black cherry, blueberry liqueur, dark chocolate and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with prominent, coarse tannins. Approachable now but this will undoubtedly age well. Best over the next 6-8 years. $60 at the winery and retail. My rating: 95 points.
2023 Florence Vineyard Zinfandel Rockpile Reserve – Purple in color. 15.1% ABV. Sublime nose of red fruits, citrus, baking spice and earth. Medium to full bodied with perfect acidity. Impeccably balanced. Cherry, raspberry liqueur, blood orange and pepper. Tremendous length on the finish. Awesome Zinfandel and frankly one of better Rockpile Zins I can recall in recent memory. Best over the next 3-4 years. $60 at the winery and retail. My rating: 94 points.
Florence Vineyard is a recent find for me and I look forward to following Jack’s wines in the years to come. Check them out!