Awards and Accolades
Recognition
Winemaker james macphail just nominated for wine enthusiast 2024 winemaker of the year!
2021 Rockpile riff raff zinfandel
- Wine Enthusiast 94 Points, Editor's Choice
- Monterey International Wine Competition: GOLD
- Sean Ludford, BevX: 94 points
- OC Fair Professional Wine Competition: GOLD
- Best Year's Zinfandel: Piedmont Post
- 2024 West Coast Wine Competition (East meets West): GOLD
- SF Chronicle Wine Competition: GOLD
- Harvest Terroir Challenge: GOLD, 94 points
- Monterey '25: GOLD, 92 points
2022 Rockpile riff raff zinfandel
- Sean Ludford, BevX: 96 Points
- Wine Enthusiast 91points
- Rich Cook, 94 points
- Chronicle Wine Competition: SILVER
- Monterey '25: PLATINUM, 94 points
2024 Rockpile riff raff Rosé'
- Monterey '25: GOLD, 92 points
2023 Rockpile riff raff Rosé'
- Experience Rose` 24: DOUBLE GOLD, 95 points
THE DRUNKEN CYCLIST
Jeffrey Kralik Ph.D.
2021 We Know Jack Zinfandel Rockpile Riff Raff
Jack Florence Sr. Vineyard, Sonoma County, CA: Retail $78.
Ridiculously B.A.B. Under cork. 91% Zinfandel, 9% Petite Sirah.
When this wine landed on my doorstep, I was beyond excited for two reasons. One? It was a Zin from the legendary Rockpile Vineyard–high above Lake Sonoma and Dry Creek Valley, perhaps the most exciting vineyard in Sonoma County for Zinfandel since maybe Lytton Springs? The second reason? The winemaker is a legend, James MacPhail, known for his Pinots (and Chardonnays), a Healdsburg and Northern California mainstay. As for the wine? After a few weeks of a strict diet, endless calisthenics, and intense weight training, I was finally able to lift the bottle and pour it into a thirsty stem. Fairly dark in the glass, with oodles of plum and blackberry on the nose. The spice is present but subtle, as is the herbal component. On the palate, this wine shines with plenty of fruit, a touch of mocha, and a rather remarkable acidity that binds the wine together. Yet, this is a pup and it needs time–
not a lot but a good 2-4 years to really reach its potential. Unfortunately, the extra time will not make the bottle any lighter, however. Outstanding. 93 Points.
94 Rich Cook WKJ! 2022 Zin
We Know Jack, Rockpile – Sonoma County (California) Zinfandel Jack Florence Sr. Vineyard “Rockpile Riff Raff” 2022 ($60):
Made by James MacPhail, this hits the “Jack” pot as far as Zin character goes – it is the rare bold bottling that will please folks who are at both ends of the spectrum of Zinfandel ripeness, from the claret styled wines by Nalle to the bombastic jam bombs by Deaver. That is a tough ask, but in the right hands great things can happen. Rich bramble berries are supported by focused acidity, and the finish pulses with flavor. Jack Florence would be proud. Excellent! Also contains 7% Petite Sirah.
94 Rich Cook Jun 11, 2024
WE KNOW JACK! JACK FLORENCE SR. VINEYARD ZINFANDEL ROCKPILE 2022
We Got 96 Points!
Sean Ludford’s BevX.com
BevX Report
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of cassis, cinnamon, and baking spices with supporting notes of black currant, black tea, cigar box, and slate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, graphite, and black plum. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full–bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. Made with a blend of Zinfandel 93% and Petite Sirah 7%
4.5 Stars – 96 points
Country: USA
Region: California Appellation: Rockpile Varietal: Zinfandel Retail Price: $60 ABV: 14.8%
Our Founders
LORI HUNT
Lori was born and raised in Rhode Island, lived in England for ten years and later became a corporate flight attendant for a noteworthy Oregon born and raised CEO. He thought it was important for his staff to be well versed about domestic wine to best serve the executive team. Lori followed his suggestions and developed an incredible palate. Always an altruist, she shared her knowledge and bottles with Mark. An excellent cook, mother and grandmother, family is everything to Lori.
MARK ZUCKERMAN
Mark was born and raised in New Jersey. After medical school and training, he settled in Massachusetts for a career in pathology. In 2004, Mark and Lori blended their families. While the kids were occupied at college, they began the first of many trips to California Wine Country. A science geek, Mark began to acquire books about vineyard soil and development, and began to search the MLS listings. After a few aborted attempts, Lori identified the Florence property …. and the rest is history.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ROCKPILE
This greater region of northwestern Sonoma, has been called Rockpile for at least 150 years and has a rich history of hard-working pioneering immigrant farmers and ranchers, indigenous Americans, colorful outlaws, celebrities, and other assorted characters. Insightful accounts can be found online (e.g. https://rockpilegrapegrowers.org/history.html) and Cathy Park’s wonderful book “A Place Called Rockpile.” Our VINEYARD history and accounts are no different!
Rockpile is one of the smallest viticultural areas in planted acres and one of only a few that are defined by a minimum elevation, which is just above our fog line at 800 ft. The region is rugged, remote, and beautiful with both lake and maritime influences providing cooler temperatures, longer hangtimes and slower, more even ripening. It is one of the most acclaimed zinfandel regions in the world.