In 1994, Jack Florence planted Zinfandel in the remote hills west of Dry Creek Valley and Healdsburg (Sonoma County), an area that would eight years later become the new Rockpile AVA, bringing cuttings from the St. Peters’ Church vineyard, which he farmed, and working with Rosenblum Cellars to produce wines that immediately gathered a following. Jack went on to plant several neighboring vineyards through the nineties, using the same clone of Zinfandel, resulting in the Rockpile area having such a consistent and recognizable character, that calls began for the creation of a new appellation.

Florence Vineyard was founded in 2020 and they recently sent me samples of their new releases.

2024 Florence Vineyard Petite Sirah Rockpile Reserve – Opaque purple in color. 15.5% ABV. Heady nose of black and blue fruits, Whitman Sampler box, smoke and warm ashphalt. Medium to full bodied with mouth watering acidity and tremendous balance. Concentration and structure in spades. Blackberry, blueberry liqueur and dark chocolate on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. This will age effortlessly. Best over the next 10-15 years. $60 at the winery and retail. My rating: 95 points.

2024 Florence Vineyard Zinfandel Rockpile Jack’s Reserve – Crimson in color, 15.5% ABV. From a select blocks of the Florece Vineyard. Sublime nose of red and black fruits, mint, anise and pepper. Medium body with medium acidity. Claret style with tremendous structure and concentration. Black cherry, blackberry, earth and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Appealing Zinfandel made in an old school style. Best over the next 4-6 years. $60 at the winery and retail. My rating: 93 points.

2024 Florence Vineyard Zinfandel Rockpile 30 Year Vines Field Blend – Bright crimson in color. 16% ABV. 81% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah and 5% Alicante Bouschet. From the vineyard planted in 1994 by Jack Florence Jr. which led to the creation of the Rockpile AVA. Savory nose of red and black fruits, licorice, roasted herbs and pepper. Medium body with just the right amount of acidity. The balance is notable. Black cherry compote, raspberry liqueur, spiced plums and white pepper on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Sublime Zinfandel that will age well. Best over the next 6-8 years. $60 at the winery and retail. My rating: 94 points.

Florence Vineyard is a recent find for me and Jack is a true steward of the Rockpile AVA. I look forward to following these wines in the years to come. Check them out!

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