“Even if you believe the idea of ‘terroir’ is overused and abused in California, it’s hard to argue that Rockpile has it in spades.” – Wine Spectator

Zinfanatics! Gather round and heed these words closely.

Another killer vintage from Manzanita Creek Zinfandel has landed! This textbook showstopper from the expressive and powerful 2016 vintage stands as one of the best in recent memory… maybe even ever? Reminds us of our greatest Zin hits since 2007, seriously, of Beekeeper, Rudd, and you can confidently put it up against many other greats from Martinelli, Turley, Carlisle, Bedrock… it’s THAT good.

It’s pumped full of all the plump juicy fruit your palate can handle. And the price? Like 55% OFF sends it tumbling from $65 to under $30!

Manzanita Creek does one thing very well, and that is making Zin, their specialty. They consistently sweep up the top spots at local competitions and sell out before they even make it out to the shelves. Their very first vintage was 2002, it hit BIG press, and the rest was history.

Rockpile is a prime location for Zin. It’s an island in the sky, soaring 2,000 feet authoritatively over Dry Creek Valley. This is not only a Rockpile but from arguably the best vineyard within, Rocky Ridge! Wild boar and deer frequent this sundrenched vineyard for their share of perfectly ripe fruit. And in the right hands, the gnarly old vines here reach their full potential, as can be seen in the hands of Robert Biale, Mauritson, Bella, Bruliam, Carol Shelton…

So, what about this wine? Let us regale you with a tale of dark chocolate-covered cherries red and black, raspberry thumbprint cookies, huckleberry jam, blueberry cobbler, sweet spice, and crushed river rocks. The towering finish is perplexingly dry and sweet, savory, long, and complex as Zin can be. It doesn’t get much better if you love dead-serious Zinfandel.

As Wine Spectator defines, it has that “unique combination of intense structure, fresh acidity and jammy ripeness, something that’s not easy to find in California… how can you not like a wine region called Rockpile?” they ask. “The name alone brings up all sorts of images, of prehistoric-style rugged countrysides or chain gangs busting stones in the godforsaken sun. The reality of the place is not all that different from that. Rockpile is a rustic landscape and a distinctive place that makes equally distinctive red wines, particularly Zinfandel… hard to find, but they are always interesting and worth seeking out.”

You can get it from us, or straight from the winery. Only difference? We got the 55% break which makes it a 100% no-brainer.

Oh, also, has a conservative 96 Points along with a Gold Medal from the California State Fair. But those accolades don’t even begin to tell you why all Zin lovers should scoop this up by the case.