RIDGE 2023 Rockpile: 93 Points from Wine Spectator

Wine Spectator

September 2026

Wine Spectator’s Insider Weekly newsletter takes a first look at what are their editors’ most exciting new wines to try. In the September 23rd newsletter, Tim Fish recently reviewed our 2023 Rockpile and we received 93 points!

2023 Rockpile

93 Points

“Powerfully structured yet retains a sense of style and finesse, with deep black cherry flavors laced with licorice, roasted sage and white pepper notes that build tension and tannins on the finish. Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2035.” —Tim Fish

History

Botticelli is a 60-acre mountain vineyard located around 1,200 feet above Lake Sonoma in the famous Rockpile appellation, which sits at the far western reaches of Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley. The history of Rockpile is a rich one beginning with the Pomo tribe, pre-1850, which called the region ‘kabe-chana’, meaning place with many rocks. Through the early 1900’s, the land was largely used for sheep ranches, and not until the creation of Lake Sonoma Reservoir in the 1980’s, did the property truly emerge as the impressive grape growing region it is today. Shortly after, in 2002, the Rockpile AVA was established. The current owners, Arthur and Susan Biedermann, planted 10 acres of zinfandel and petite sirah in 1997. Due to an inversion layer originating from Lake Sonoma, Botticelli receives ample sunlight throughout the growing season and less fog than nearby regions, leading to the production of high quality wine grapes.

Join ATP

This wine is released as part of our Advance Tasting Program wine club, which provides members the exclusive opportunity to receive very limited, single-vineyard wines only available direct from the winery. Join today for first access to limited field blends and Rhône varietals from RIDGE.

ATP Membership