Notes from the Winemaker:The Cemetery block gets its name from the unusual outcropping of rock at the bottom of the vineyard that resembles giant headstones. On top of being planted in serpentine and shale, this block has the disadvantage of straddling the Rogers Creek fault, one of the more active earthquake faults in Northern California. With a southwestern sun exposure, 15 to 20 degree slope, and the previous mentioned soil, the wine is everything you might expect; intense, powerful, and complex.
Production: Approximately 557 cases
Appellation: Rockpile
Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Vineyards: Cemetery Vineyard
Alcohol: 15.9% by volume
Aging: 18 months oak barrels
50% French
50% American
What Does It Taste Like?
The growing conditions of the 2007 vintage were ideal: warmer average
daily temperatures, low crop yields, smaller berry size, and ample hang
time. The resulting grapes were perfectly ripe, yet still yielded
amazing complexity and tannin. Cobbler black fruit in the nose is
graciously accented by hints of oak and spice. Concentrated and
commanding in the front palate, the supple tannins of the 2007 are
evident in the mid-palate and finish. The ripe blackberry flavors linger
before the black pepper spice of this vineyard shows itself. While more
approachable young than previous vintages, this wine will continue to
age beautifully for the next 5-7 years.
Ratings & Reviews
90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ('05 vintage):"The 2005 Zinfandel Rockpile Cemetery Vineyard is a full-throttle, full-bodied offering revealing a deep ruby/purple color as well as dense raspberry and sweet cherry fruit intermixed with incense, loamy soil, pepper, and spice notes. This is an opulent, complete Zinfandel the likes of which is rarely found in the 2005 vintage.
This is my first experience with the Healdsburg-based Mauritson Family Winery, which merits high marks for producing three brilliant Zinfandels in such a difficult vintage. It helped that they were working with one of the finest Zinfandel sites in northern California, the Rockpile appellation." - Robert Parker (12/2007)
