The 2008 Zinfandel Rockpile comes from this relatively recent appellation, which is essentially a tiny, high-elevation ridge of vines planted at various heights, with most of the vineyards at 1200-feet or more above the Dry Creek Valley. Loads of spice, earth and chewy black raspberry and black cherry fruit, along with some licorice and herbs jump from the glass of this meaty, juicy, full-bodied, slightly tannic red. This is a big Zinfandel with plenty of structure, but I still hold to the belief that these wines are best drunk in their exuberant, flamboyant, youthful state – the first 5-7 years of life. That said, there is serious length on this Rockpile, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve past a decade. This is another superb wine from a family that certainly has a Midas touch with these varietals. Among the great Italian heritage families in Northern California (and there are many of those), Seghesio continues to set a high standard for quality and attractive value. Tel. (707) 433-3579; Fax (707) 433-0545