Rockpile

The other day I had lunch with the Mauritson Family to discuss our block of Zin at Rockpile.  Rockpile is a unique Sonoma County AVA situated at a high elevation above the fog.  A combination of micro-climate and gravely soil - this chunk of land produces much revered fruit.  Part of what I love about my job is meeting with folks like the Mauritsons - multi-generational grape growers.  This family has been cultivating grapes in Dry Creek Valley for five generations succeeding at growing ultra-premium fruit.  During lunch we talked about prices of grapes, yield per acre and future plans.  The "deals" we make in wine country are often born of trust and sealed with a simple handshake - this always amazes people when I tell them about how we "draft" our contracts!  Our partner, Randy Peters, grows the majority of the fruit for our wines.  The other farmers that we work with assist us in carefully selecting varietals from select vineyards to create some diversity with regards to our portfolio.  Over the years, Josh Bartels, our assistant winemaker, and I have enjoyed several wines from the Rockpile appellation.  We are ecstatic to have a block from such a prestigious AVA.  Many, many thanks to the Mauritsons for this special opportunity!  We look forward to working with you in years to come.

Erik Miller