2020 Rockpile Syrah – Sonoma County

The Rockpile AVA is perched high above Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County.  Ranching and hunting dominated this area for over a century before Rockpile’s legacy of grape growing began.  First planted in 1992, Rockpile became an official AVA in 2002.  Presently, it contains 15,000 acers of land with only 160 planted to grapes.

Nose opens with fresh red fruits before evolving into darker black and blue fruits. Plum, black cherry, and black peppercorns stand out in the glass. On the palate you’re greeted with tart acai, bramble berry as well as more savory hints of black licorice and tobacco. Consider decanting for about an hour and pairing with game meats such as lamb or duck.