A Zinfandel of sheer power, this is demonstrative of Rock Wall’s style. The alcohol is very high, which brings heat and sweetness to the flavors of ripe blackberries, currants, anise and pepper. A touch of oak adds a mellow toastiness. Drink this now with rich stews and barbecued meats.
— S.H.
(4/1/2013)
This is hard in tannins and firm in acidity, which gives it fine structure. It’s not shy in flavor, and it offers waves of blackberries, black currants and cassis liqueur, plus a note of toasty new oak. While it could develop well with age, the forward fruit suggests drinking it over the next five years.
— S.H.
(4/1/2013)
An intriguing combination of almost equal parts Malbec, Mourvèdre and Petit Verdot, Rock Wall’s Romancer hails from Clarksburg’s small Heringer Vineyard, and is bright, fruity and juicy with blackberry and strawberry flavors. Aromatic lavender and jasmine notes against a backdrop of meaty tobacco make the presence of Mourvedre apparent.
— V.B.
(5/1/2013)
Fans of powerful, fruit-driven Zinfandel will exult in this monster of a wine. It is an explosion of blueberry, raspberry, plum, blackberry, chocolate-covered raisin and sandalwood flavors. This is tannic, and the high alcohol gives it a glycerine-driven sweetness.
— S.H.
(4/1/2013)
Rock Wall’s Jesse, from 120-year-old grapes, is no shy wine, and it’ll hit you first with a black peppery intensity that verges on insane. From there, its soft, round shoulders surround blackberry, leathery and tea streaks accented on the finish by dark chocolate flavors that linger around a while.
— V.B.
(6/1/2013)
A playfully rich and creamy version of Muscat Canelli made from grapes in the Clarksburg area between Sacramento and Lodi, an area making its abilities known in terms of growing alternative whites. Banana, vanilla and tones of lemon dominate. An easy quaff with bright acidity.
— V.B.
(12/15/2011)
Pungent and wild, the grapes for this Montepulciano are grown in the Isabella Francesca Vineyard in Oakley. Winemaker Shauna Rosenblum makes this wine like a Zinfandel, and it is approachable and fairly light, with wild strawberries, black tea and dried herbs throughout and even a slight backdrop of smoke.
— V.B.
(12/15/2011)
This has flavors and aromas of hazelnut, dried apricot and coconut in between layers of lush white peach. Overall, this is very pretty and well balanced. Its light-handed finish is floral and tropical, without a sign of oak.
— V.B.
(11/1/2012)