We Know Jack! is a small, artisanal winery founded in 2021 by Mark Zuckerman and Lori Hunt. The fruit is estate grown from their Rockpile vineyard which was planted in the late 1990’s by Jack Florence Jr and his partner Ulyses Valdez. The wines are made by James MacPhail.
The winery recently sent me samples of recent releases.
2023 We Know Jack! Zinfandel Rockpile Riff Raff – Bright crimson in color. 14.9% ABV. Charming nose of red fruits, citrus, baking spices and flowers. Medium body with mouth watering acidity and balance. Elegant and approachable. Strawberry, cranberry, blood orange and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. The supple red fruits are the hero here. The Rockpile AVA at its very best. Drink over the next 3-5 years. $60 at the winery and retail. My rating: 95 points.
2024 We Know Jack! Zinfandel Rockpile Riff Raff – Crimson in color. 15.9% ABV. Beautiful nose of red fruits, citrus, baking spices and earth. medium body with perfect acidity. The balance is notable. Light, refreshing and delightful. Cherry, cranberry, pomegranate and a hint of pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Exceptional Zinfandel that is more about finesse than power. Best over the next 3-5 years. $60 at the winery and retail. My rating: 94 points.
2023 We Know Jack! Syrah Single Block – Dark red in color. 14.2% ABV. Savor nose of black fruits, bacon fat, roasted herbs and cracked black pepper. Medium body with medium acidity. Dark and brooding. Black cherry, blackberry, smoked meats and olive brine on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with prominent silky tannins. Well made with an old world flair. Best over the next 4- 6 years. $50 at the winery and retail. My rating: 93 points.
This was first chance to try the exciting wines from We Know Jack! Without question some of the very best from the Rockpile AVA. I look forward to following the winery in the years to come and certainly hope to visit with Mark on a future trip to Sonoma.