Rocky Terrace Rules

~ View of the Haywood Vineyards ~

The Haywood Estate, founded in 1980 by Peter Haywood, is nestled in the hills above the town of Sonoma. With more than 90 acres being farmed and over 40 acres of Zinfandel planted on hillside terraces, Haywood's Rocky Terrace has been one of my favorite Zinfandels since being introduced to it by a friend way back in 1995.

The Rocky Terrace gets it's apt name from the Rocky Terrace block of the Los Chamizal vineyard. The soils are full of fractured volcanic rock and the vineyards are carved into terraces on the slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains. Production from these vines is very limited, and the resulting Zinfandels are a testament to why this block has been singled out year after year.

The 2008 Rocky Terrace is no exception.   I decanted the wine for about 30 minutes to let the aromas develop as I know from prior experience how fragrant this wine can be. 

In the glass, the wine is a deep, dark gorgeous purple color.  There is a faint trace of violet circling the rim.  The aromas are explosive.  Violets, crushed wild berry, anise, lavendar, eucalyptus and baking spices are all noticeable, woven harmoniously and absolutely lush.   On the palate, the wine equals the nose.  It rises to the challenge and takes no prisoners. Elegant masses of wild black fruits, accented with spices, pepper, espresso, anise and stony underbrush are ripe and plentiful but not overdone in the slightest.  The finish is perfumed on your palate and last for minutes. This simply is, one of the greatest Zinfandels I have ever tasted.  Yes, I bought more and so should you.  A Wow wine for sure.  96 points. $38 direct from the winery.

~ The Haywood Estate Rocky Terrace Zinfandel ~

Absolutely thrilling!