The Rockpile Vineyard is presently home to 150 acres of mountain vineyards, planted to zinfandel, petite sirah, syrah, a little cabernet sauvignon and the odd parcel of petit verdot. The Rockpile AVA's terrain is so varied, with dips and swales, outcroppings and drop-offs. The elevation and shallow red, rocky soils of Rockpile are similar to Napa's Howell Mountain.

"When I first went to visit Rockpile Vineyard...I thought I was lost" says Jeff Cohn of JC Cellars. "It turned out to be a 45-minute drive from up HWY 101 through Dry Creek Valley, then up a dirt road." At the end of his trek, Cohn had risen 1,500 feet above Lake Sonoma, but the trip is worth the effort every time he makes it. "It's like heaven up there, it's so beautiful," he says. "And the views go on forever!"

Tasting notes from Proprietor & Winemaker Jeff Cohn: "Effusive aromatics of ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit are entwined with touches of graphite and smoky game. The exotic berry aromas are bolstered by an impressive dense and rich palate. Supple tannins draw out an exceptionally long, dark and sexy finish."

Total Production: 351 cases

Aging potential 3-10 years