Professional Ratings
- 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast
- 91 Points – Wine Spectator
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.
Professional Assessment
Strengths
- Generous ripe fruit and spice character.
- Smooth texture with excellent balance.
- Crowd-pleasing style that pairs well with barbecue, ribs, burgers, and spicy dishes.
- Consistently reliable quality vintage after vintage.
Overall Verdict
91/100 — Highly Recommended. A rich, flavorful Zinfandel delivering concentration, complexity, and immediate appeal while maintaining freshness and structure.
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.
