ROCKPILE AVA
The Botticelli Vineyard nestled inside the Rockpile AVA in Sonoma County, at 1800 ft. elevation is a special place for Zinfandel. The rocky soils provide the fruit that results in a brawny yet balanced wine that is best with a few years in bottle to evolve and show its best side.
Florence Vineyard was planted in 1997 by Jack Florence and his son, Jack Florence Jr. This vineyard’s rocky red soil is planted with Zinfandel, and is at a 1200-foot elevation. Its height also affords gorgeous vistas of Lake Sonoma and Dry Creek Valley.
The shallow soils and steep hillsides mean that the vines are able to take advantage of excellent drainage, which produces intensely flavored, complex fruit. Sun exposure at this elevation also differentiates this location from the rest of Dry Creek Valley—the fog burns off at least two hours earlier on Rockpile than down in the valley. This gives the fruit more time in the sun, and in turn, allows more even ripening.
The Rockpile Vineyard, at the very far end of Rockpile Road, is approximately 2000 feet above Lake Sonoma and Dry Creek Valley. Planted with 28 acres of vines (red Bordeaux varieties and Syrah/Petite Sirah) by Rod and Cathy Park, it is 100% sustainably farmed, and solar power is used for their farming operations and dwellings. This beautiful mountaintop vineyard produces Petite Sirah & Cabernet Sauvignon of elegance & complexity.