The new Rockpile appellation has already claimed a measure of fame for highly extracted, no-holds-barred Zinfandels, and this rugged youngster shows plenty of extract and weight. Very ripe with a wealth of sweet oak underlying its top notes of berries and chocolate, it is a massive wine to be sure, but it has enough fruity muscle to counter its very evident acids and heat. It is not now nor ever will be an elegant wine, but it is bound to wow all who champion the style.

Rating for United States-California: 78 (bad year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>