Rockpile Vineyard

Rockpile, Sonoma

Rockpile is one of the smallest AVAs in the nation, producing ultra-premium hillside fruit. In 1991, Rod and Cathy Park converted a dilapidated former sheep ranch into Rockpile Vineyard.

At 2010-ft. elevation, the vineyard sites are hilly and of course, rocky. Above the fog line, the vineyard's terroir stresses the vines, but the average temperature range from 50 - 80º provides for a wonderful growing season, allowing for full ripening. The soil composition of granite, loam, clay, and quartz gives the fruit a strong mineral component. Altogether, this vineyard yields amazing fruit. Each Rockpile Syrah is truly unique in its depth and profile.

I began working with this sustainably farmed vineyard in 1998 and still love it because I know Syrah planted at high elevations in rocky soils are a match made in heaven.

Wines Produced

Buffalo Hill Syrah

100% Syrah, vines planted in 2000, the flagship

$175

So Serine Syrah

100% Syrah, vines planted in 2000, limited, only one barrel produced

$200

Domaine des Chirats Syrah

100% Syrah, vines planted in 1998, a Yves Cuilleron collaboration

$95

Rockpile Syrah Haley

100% Syrah, vines planted in 2000, named for our younger daughter

$90

Pure Yum

67% Rockpile Syrah

$48

Iris Brut Rosé

20% Rockpile Syrah, named for my mother, Iris 

$60