First things first. We need to broadcast a HUGE THANK YOU!

The outpouring of support and kind words, not to mention the ONSLAUGHT of orders this week has been incredible. Rudi F. we see you. Dustin C, much love back at ya. B. Moult, Eddie P, and all the rest of you have us feeling blessed (not to mention hella busy packing orders!).

Anyway, if there’s one thing we know you want, it’s ZIN. We got you a winery-direct, Wine Spies exclusive from the much loved Manzanita Creek over here in Sonoma.

And Rockpile no less! This “rocky ridge” stands alone.

Literally. It’s an island in the sky, soaring 2,000 feet authoritatively over Dry Creek Valley. Wild boar and deer frequent sundrenched vineyards for their share of perfectly ripe low-hanging fruit. And in the right hands, the gnarly old Zinfandel vines here reach their full potential of perfection.

In the presence of such beauty up there and in the bottle it’s hard not to wax poetic.

Manzanita Creek has only been around since 2002. They’ve been quietly churning out exquisite wines that sweep up the top spots at local competitions and sell out before they even make it out to the shelves. Their very first vintage hit the San Francisco Chronicle Top 100 chart and earned 97 points from Wine Enthusiast. This 2014 takes things up a notch.

Rocky Ridge is their flagship effort. Don’t bother to look for it elsewhere. It’s a Wine Spies exclusive. You can get it from us, or straight from the winery. Only difference? We got the 55% discount, which makes it a 100% no-brainer.

At the original $65 it holds its own amongst the likes of Martinelli, Turley, A. Rafanelli, Carlisle, Hartford Court, or Beekeeper. With our unreal break getting it way, WAY down, it’s impossible to resists this heavyweight champion. Clocking in at 15.5% alcohol, it sure is not for the faint of heart, while balanced beyond the wildest imagination, like a sumo wrestler on a tightrope.

If those BIG RIPE ZINS get your mouth to water this one is your jam. DECADENT. Hedonistic. Flat out rich, ripe, inky and opaque. A real teeth-staining glass of deep mulberry purple. The nose is intense and vibrant at once with rich blackberries, blueberries, sage, and anise. Decidedly full-bodied, the initial mouthfeel is concentrated, and pure with ripe tannins, minerals, and cedar. It wraps up with a long, persistent finish that gushes with fruits and spice. For pairings, we’re stuck with ideas around eggplants here, caponata, parmigiana, or moussaka! If eggplants are not your thing, think rich, saucy, smoky fare. Fire up that Traeger baby!

The bottom line, this Rockpile Zin is CRAZY GOOD. And what’s there not to love with this fat 55% OFF on top!?

98 Points, Double Gold Best of Class – CA State Fair