Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel
Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel is Rombauer's tribute to California wine history: a bold, full-bodied red built from old-vine Sierra Foothills fruit, typically bottled around 15–16% ABV in a 750mL format — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: typically ~15–16% (verify exact vintage label on bottle; recent vintages 15.9–16%)
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: Zinfandel with Petite Sirah (~92–96% Zinfandel, 4–8% Petite Sirah, vintage-dependent)
- Origin: California — sourced from premier Sierra Foothills vineyards (Amador, El Dorado, Lake, and Napa counties), some over 100 years old
- Oak: aged in American and French oak (recent vintages ~14 months)
- Vintage note: vintage is not specified on this listing — Rombauer releases this Zinfandel annually; do not claim a vintage without checking the bottle
The Story Behind Rombauer's Zinfandel
Founded in 1980 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer in St. Helena, Rombauer Vineyards is best known for its famously rich Chardonnay — but the winery's Zinfandel is its love letter to California's own heritage grape. The fruit comes from some of the state's oldest and most revered Zinfandel regions — Amador, El Dorado, Lake, and Napa counties — in family-owned vineyards that in some cases date back over a century. Grapes are handpicked (often at night to preserve acidity), optically sorted, and fermented in ~50 separate barrel lots, each aged and tended individually before blending — the brand's "Joy of Wine" philosophy in practice: wine made for sharing with family and friends.
Tasting Notes
Expect the deep, opulent Rombauer style in red form: concentrated aromas of blackberry and dense plum, with the vintage profile layered in raspberry jam, mocha, clove, white pepper, vanilla, and chocolate from oak aging. The palate is full-bodied and rich — dark fruit flavors, a juicy midpalate framed by fine tannins and bright natural acidity, and a long, lush finish. Recent vintages have been described as Rombauer's deepest and most concentrated Zinfandel ever.
How to Enjoy
Serve at cellar temperature (60–65°F); decanting 30 minutes opens the jammy aromatics. The winery's favorite pairings are braised beef short ribs, lasagna Bolognese, and roasted eggplant — bold food for a bold wine. Browse the Rombauer Vineyards collection, more red wines, and other fine wines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vintage is this Rombauer Zinfandel? The vintage is not specified on this listing — Rombauer releases the Zinfandel annually (recent releases include 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023). Check the bottle label for the exact vintage; the ABV shown here (~15–16%) is typical for recent vintages.
Where do the grapes come from? Premier Sierra Foothills and California vineyards — primarily Amador, El Dorado, and Lake counties, with a small share from Napa County — some vines over 100 years old.
Is Rombauer Zinfandel sweet? It tastes ripe and fruit-forward (raspberry jam, mocha, plum) with ~15–16% ABV, but it is made as a dry red with fine tannins and bright acidity — not a sweet wine.
What grapes are in it? Predominantly Zinfandel with a splash of Petite Sirah for structure — recent vintages range from 92–96% Zinfandel, 4–8% Petite Sirah.
Add Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel to your cart at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — California's heritage grape in Rombauer's famously opulent style, shipped to your door.