The Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel, Napa Valley, CA 2023 has received generally strong professional reviews, landing in the low 90-point range from major critics.
Professional ratings (2023 vintage)
| Reviewer / Publication |
Score |
Notes |
| Decanter |
92 points |
Praised for lifted red-fruit character, strawberry and cranberry notes, clove/vanilla spice, concentration, and fresh acidity. |
| Wine Enthusiast |
91–92 points (reported sources vary) |
Described as rich and fruit-driven, with blackberry, blueberry, cardamom, orange zest, and balancing acidity. |
| Wine Spectator |
91 points |
Listed among professional ratings for the 2023 bottling. |
| Jeb Dunnuck |
91 points |
Noted as a “total charmer” with plum, raspberry, cigar wrapper, spice, cedar, good texture, and balance. |
Style & tasting profile
- Blend: Primarily Zinfandel with a small amount of Petite Sirah (reported as 91/9 or 93/7 depending on source).
- Alcohol: About 15.9% ABV.
- Flavor profile: Blackberry, raspberry, plum, cherry, vanilla, clove, baking spice, cocoa, and pepper notes.
- Body: Full-bodied, plush, fruit-forward, with soft tannins and good acidity.
Overall professional assessment
Approximate consensus: 91–92 points — Very Good to Excellent.
This is a classic Rombauer-style Zinfandel: generous, ripe, polished, and approachable, emphasizing rich fruit, oak spice, and a smooth texture rather than a lean or highly rustic style. It should appeal most to drinkers who enjoy bold California reds.
Typical drinking window: enjoyable now, with potential to hold roughly 4–6 years according to one
Review
A classic Rombauer Zinfandel, the 2023 vintage bursts with aromas of blackberry, raspberry jam, plum, vanilla, clove, and baking spice. The palate is rich and plush, offering layers of ripe dark fruit, pepper, cocoa, and sweet oak balanced by vibrant acidity and smooth tannins. Full-bodied and expressive, it showcases the bold, fruit-driven style for which Rombauer is known.
93% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah
On the nose, concentrated aromas of ripe blackberry and boysenberry meld with black tea, vanilla and spice. Lush flavors of fig, blackberry jam, licorice and vanilla flood the palate, followed by touches of dark chocolate and white pepper in the background. Subtle and round tannins and great length make for a fresh and enticing finish.
Founded in 1980 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer, Rombauer Vineyards has been producing acclaimed wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and the Sierra Foothills ever since. Still family owned and operated, our winery is known for its high-quality wines, exceptional vineyard sites, and family-style hospitality.
In 1972, when Koerner and Joan Rombauer moved their two children, two horses and five dogs to Napa Valley, they were already well acquainted with the natural relationship between food and wine. Koerner’s great aunt Irma Rombauer wrote the internationally renowned cookbook, The Joy of Cooking, and his German ancestors had deep roots in the winegrowing region of Rheingau.
Koerner and Joan established Rombauer Vineyards in 1980, and in 1984 they released their first California-style Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Four decades later–and still family owned–the winery has become widely acclaimed for its distinctive, fruit-driven expressions.
