Las Rocas Hill Climber Zinfandel 2020
Full-bodied red wine · Terre de Fitz + Affolter Family Wine
Vintage: 2020
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
Terre de Fitz + Affolter Family Wine
Country
United States
Vintage
2020
Region & Appellation
Temecula Valley, California
Grape Varieties
100% Zinfandel
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-purple core with a bright magenta rim, medium-high viscosity with slow-moving legs indicating a rich, high-alcohol profile.
Aroma Profile
Intense aromas of ripe blackberry, dark plum, and spiced cherry, complemented by secondary notes of vanilla, sweet pipe tobacco, and subtle cracked black pepper.
Tasting Notes
A bold and impactful entry on the palate delivering rich dark fruit and baking spice, leading into a mid-palate rich with structure and warmth, finishing long with lingering notes of dark chocolate and jammy berry.
Flavor Profile
Ripe blackberry jam, black raspberry, cassis, underscored by warm baking spices, cocoa, and subtle earthy undertones.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a rich, velvety mouthfeel, generous extract, and a smooth, rounded texture that coats the palate.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium acidity provides adequate freshness to balance the ripe fruit, while the tannins are fine-grained, smooth, and approachable.
Sweetness Level
Dry, with rich fruit extraction creating a perception of natural sweetness on the finish.
Alcohol Content
14.5% ABV, contributing to a warming sensation on the finish and reinforcing the full-bodied structure.
Aging & Oak
Aged in oak barrels, imparting subtle notes of vanilla, toast, and sweet spice that harmonize with the fruit profile.
Food Pairings
Ideal with grilled barbecue ribs, slow-roasted pulled pork, rich beef stews, or aged cheddar cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly below room temperature at 60-65°F in a large Bordeaux or universal red wine glass. Decant for 30 to 45 minutes before serving.
Price Range
$30 - $50
Quality Assessment
A well-crafted boutique California Zinfandel offering solid varietal typicity, balance, and a rich, satisfying profile.
Production Methods
Estate grown and bottled, utilizing careful hand-harvesting, traditional red winemaking techniques, and thoughtful barrel aging.
Terroir
Temecula Valley terroir, characterized by warm days, cooling evening breezes from the Pacific Ocean channelled through the valley, and granitic or clay loam soils.
History & Heritage
Crafted as a collaboration between Terre de Fitz and the Affolter Family Wine, showcasing estate-grown fruit from the unique microclimate of Temecula, California.
Interesting Facts
The label features striking original artwork and the playful tagline 'Made with blind ambition & dumb luck', highlighting the artisan, small-batch nature of the production.
Cellaring Potential
Best enjoyed within 3 to 6 years of the vintage date while the vibrant fruit characteristics are at their peak.
Similar Wines
Dry Creek Valley Zinfandels, Lodi Old Vine Zinfandels, Paso Robles Zinfandel blends