I had a wonderful day at Rosenblum Cellars yesterday. I was visiting a client in San Francisco to review a proposal, and was invited over to meet with my friend Kate. Kate is in charge of the marketing of Rosenblum Cellar wines. We were joined by her assistant, soon-to-be winemaker Stephanie.

Rosenblum Wineries is in Alameda, thru the tube from Oakland and over off Main St, near the container yards. Very large ships site off a few hundred feet waiting to be (un)loaded. The facility is as unique as the wine that is made there. The warehouse and wine making facility is fronted by older wine barrels, so you wont be able to miss it. Tasting is daily.

Upstairs in the tasting room I met Robin. When she found out I had never tasted any of Kent Rosenblum’s wine, she started me out smoothly, pouring the 2004 North Coast Zinfandel from their Appellation Series. The full fruit of the wine was expressed in currants, spicy raspberries and black cherry. Not too much pepper, and just the perfect way to begin to understand the philosophy behind their deep and diverse portfolio.

Next up, Robin suggested we leap across the Zin spectrum and taste the 2003 Eagle Point Vineyard Zinfandel. This Mendocino County vineyard produced grapes that created a burst of pepper, spice and deep blackberry. Much more complex than the North Coast, I was wishing it was later in the day, and I was finishing off the final glazing of a rack of baby back ribs with my own BBQ sauce recipe. This Zin is a must buy on my list, also receiving a 90 in the Dec 31, 2005 issue of Wine Spectator and selected as the Wine of the Day for Dec. 19, 2005.

So lets talk about the Wine Spectator for a moment. Rosenblum Cellars has 2 wines in this years Top 100.

The 2003 Rockpile Zinfandel was awarded a 94. I think that is one of the highest Zin scores ever, but I need to confirm that. As soon as i get my hands on that I will do a complete review of the Rockpile Zinfandel. The other on the Top 100 list is the 2003 Paso Robles Zinfandel. Ranked at number 30, it comes in with a score of 92. A quick glance thru past ratings showed at least 14 wines from Kent Rosenblum with a Wine Spectator score of 90 or better.

Ok.. so back to the tasting. Kate suggested we try the 2002 Redwood Valley Zinfandel, Annette’s Reserve, which I think is now on the Reserve tasting list. You need to ask for it. And be sure you do. Another top wine at 91 from Wine Spectator (do you see a pattern here?), this Zinfandel was big, strong, full-bodied, energetic and would dare say bold. It was my favorite of the day, as I tend to enjoy the raspberry and chocolate punch of this wine. I can see why Kate wanted me to taste this, as it has been recognized with over 12 awards.

So it is safe to say that I have become a big fan of Kent Rosenblum’s winemaking style. He has sourced grapes from over 80 vineyards and using his unique and distinctive winemaking philosophy, combined with the talents of winemaker Jeff Cohn, to create a deep portfolio of award winning wines. Take the time to cross the bay when you are in the San Francisco area. Visit the winery. Drink the wine. Join the wine club and for goodness sake buy the wine! You will be happy you are taking home such a wonderful souvenir.