Rombauer Vineyards
Zinfandel
California
2022
Vintage
Varietal
Zinfandel
ABV
15.9%
Where it is, July 2026
At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2026-2029).
Cellared’s conservative editorial estimate is 2026-2032, with a likely peak from 2026 through 2029. It is guidance rather than a guarantee. Storage history and bottle condition can materially change the timing.
The ‘22 Zinfandel.
Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel 2022 is a California red with boysenberry, black plum, dark berries, clove, vanilla, and a lingering finish.
Drinking window
As Cellared editorial guidance: this drinking window is a calculated cellar recommendation, not a claim about the bottle's documented facts.
Tasting note
Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel 2022 is described with boysenberry and bold black plum, underscored by clove and vanilla. Dark berries continue on the palate, joined by ripe pomegranate and dragon-fruit flavors. The fact sheet notes light pepper and dried orange peel, with fine tannins, pleasing acidity, and a lingering finish. The blend is 92 percent Zinfandel and 8 percent Petite Sirah. Fruit comes from select vineyards in Amador County, El Dorado County, Lake County, and Napa County. The grapes were destemmed and optically sorted, then cold-soaked before primary fermentation in tank. After gentle basket pressing, the wine was moved to oak for malolactic fermentation and aging. It spent 15 months in American and French oak, including 10 percent new American oak.
The 2022 vintage
The cited 2022 sheet describes an exceptionally dry, warmer-than-average start followed by spring rain and mild summer temperatures. It reports a long, even ripening period and harvest from September 6 through October 11.
About Rombauer Vineyards
The 2022 wine combines fruit from four California growing regions: Amador County accounts for 65 percent, El Dorado County 20 percent, Lake County 11 percent, and Napa County 4 percent. The growing season began exceptionally dry and warmer than average, then saw spring rain and mild summer temperatures that allowed a long, even ripening period. Harvest ran from September 6 through October 11, 2022. The grapes were destemmed and optically sorted, cold-soaked, fermented in tank, basket-pressed, and matured for 15 months in American and French oak.
From the cellar: pair with
Italian meatballs
Rombauer's ripe Zinfandel fruit and spice suit tomato-sauced meatballs.
Baby back ribs
The wine's generous fruit and structure can balance smoky, sweet-savory ribs.
Fresh berry pie
The existing ripe-fruit profile complements a lightly sweet berry dessert.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- As Cellared editorial guidance, serve at 60-65F (16-18C).
- Decanting
- As Cellared editorial guidance, give the wine 30-45 minutes of air and adjust after tasting.
- Cellar Storage
- As Cellared editorial guidance, cellar at 55F (13C), bottle on its side.
Frequently Asked
What is the blend?
The cited sheet lists 92 percent Zinfandel and 8 percent Petite Sirah.
What flavors are described?
Boysenberry, black plum, dark berries, clove, vanilla, pomegranate, and dragon fruit are described.
How long was it aged?
It spent 15 months in American and French oak.