Rockpile Winery, Rockpile, Buck Pasture, Red Wine 2005 The nose is rather closed upon first opening this wine, with hints of Cassis and new oak. The mouth shows demonstrable acidity and lots of fresh oak to accent the black currants. I don’t have the varietal breakdown on this vintage but the ’06 might be a gauge with more than half Cabernet Sauvignon, leading smaller portions of Cab Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. 14.5% $ 41.99 at Bottle Barn
Rockpile Winery, Rockpile, Madrone Spring Vineyard, Petite Sirah 2006 In the nose, the fruit shows in a very youthful way with a dusting of black pepper. In the mouth, the whopping tannins that Petite can show are on full display. Secure a supply of cheddar cheese when you open this wine. The grapes are all Petite Sirah and the wine is aged in 50/50 French and American oak for 18 months. 15.1% $31.49 at Bottle Barn
Both wines are P&B by Mauritson Wines in Healdsburg
