Rombauer Vineyards 'Twin Rivers' Single Vineyard Zinfandel 2022 750ml

Product Info

93pts Wine Advocate
One of the unheralded wines in the Rombauer lineup is the Zinfandel, which comes from the Sierra Foothills. The 2022 Zinfandel Twin Rivers combines briary-herbal nuances with sweeter overtones of vanilla and raspberry jam on the nose. Matured in 10% new American oak, with the balance of the wood coming from used Chardonnay barrels, it's full-bodied, soft, plush and almost cloud-like in the mouth, with a long, velvety yet mouthwatering finish. Drink Date: 2025 - 2030

For convenience, Senior Winemaker Luke Clayton joined me to taste through the Rombauer wines at the Louis Martini winery in Saint Helena, as part of what I have taken to fondly calling my annual Gallo-fest (family-owned E. & J. Gallo acquired Rombauer in August 2023). "We were acquired about 18 months ago. They've left us alone on the winemaking side, but we've benefited from their research," said the Aussie-born Clayton. And the new ownership "opened up some new fruit sourcing for the Cabs. But for the Chards, we've got our style and Joe [Gallo] said, just keep making great wine."

Clayton's history with Rombauer goes back to 2005 as a harvest intern. Minus a short return to Australia for a stint at Hardy's Tintara in McLaren Vale, he's been at Rombauer for 20 years, gradually assuming more and more responsibility. Much of the rest of the team has similar longevity, he said. Rombauer's Chardonnay was originally fermented in tank and made in a leaner style, according to Clayton, with the stylistic change to barrel fermentation and more richness taking place in the 1990s. Today, it's made in a large, warehouse-style winery near Napa's airport, and the style has moderated somewhat from former excesses.

Rombauer farms 400 acres of Chardonnay and "looks after" 900 acres, so there's an appreciable volume of the Carneros Chardonnay. As you might expect, there's a huge array of clones in that acreage. The fruit is all handpicked, whole-cluster pressed and barrel-fermented and matured in a mix of French and American oak (35% new). It stays in wood for eight or nine months, simplifying the work in the cellar, as one vintage comes out of barrels before the next one goes in. "Twenty-three was very cool," said Clayton. "The long hang time reminded us of the 2010 vintage—a bit more maturity without too much sugar."

On the red side, Clayton oversees production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. An optical sorter was trialed in 2010 and purchased in 2011. "With the optical sorter, you're able to kick out the raisins—you're basically able to kick out the background noise," said Clayton. "It definitely has improved our wines, made them a bit richer and softer." While this is Napa and Cabernet Sauvignon will always receive most of the accolades, fiscally responsible readers won't overlook the Carneros-sourced Merlot or the Twin Rivers Zinfandel from the Sierra Foothills. Published: Jun 12, 2025 Reviewed by: Joe Czerwinski

Terroir
The Twin Rivers Vineyard is located in California’s Central Valley, where the moderating influences of the Sacramento and San Joaquin river systems create a distinctive growing environment for Zinfandel. These waterways help temper daytime heat, extending the growing season and allowing grapes to ripen fully while retaining balance. The vineyard sits on deep, fertile alluvial soils composed primarily of sandy loam and fine gravel, which provide excellent drainage while encouraging even vine vigor.

This site is particularly well suited to Zinfandel, a variety that thrives when given ample sunlight but benefits from cooling influences to preserve freshness. The 2022 growing season delivered warm, consistent conditions that allowed for full phenolic maturity without excessive stress on the vines. The result is fruit with naturally high concentration, plush texture, and expressive aromatics—hallmarks of Rombauer’s generous yet polished house style.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Rombauer approaches Zinfandel with an emphasis on richness, texture, and approachability, while maintaining structural integrity. The fruit for the Twin Rivers bottling is harvested at optimal ripeness to capture the variety’s signature dark fruit profile and natural spice.

Fermentation is conducted in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise extraction and preservation of fruit purity. Extended maceration helps build depth of color and supple tannins, while careful monitoring ensures the wine never tips into over-extraction. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in a combination of American and French oak barrels, a portion of which are new. This aging regimen contributes layers of vanilla, baking spice, and toast, seamlessly integrated into the fruit rather than dominating it. The overall intent is balance through abundance: a Zinfandel that is unmistakably ripe and expressive, yet polished and harmonious.

Tasting Notes
The 2022 Twin Rivers Zinfandel opens with an immediately inviting nose, rich and layered without feeling heavy. Aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, and brambly raspberry are front and center, followed by warm notes of vanilla bean, cinnamon, and clove. As the wine opens in the glass, secondary nuances emerge—dark chocolate, sweet tobacco, and a subtle hint of dried herbs that add complexity and depth.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and lush, delivering a generous wave of dark fruit flavors that mirror the nose. Blackberry compote, ripe plum, and black currant unfold smoothly across the mid-palate, supported by velvety tannins and a round, mouth-coating texture. Oak influence shows as soft caramel, baking spice, and a touch of toasted coconut, enhancing the wine’s richness without overwhelming its core.

Despite its concentration, the wine maintains balance through moderate acidity, which keeps the profile lively and prevents the finish from feeling overly sweet or heavy. The finish is long and satisfying, lingering with notes of dark fruit, spice, and a gentle warmth that reflects both the vintage and the vineyard’s sun-soaked origins.

Food Pairing & Service
This Zinfandel’s richness and spice make it a natural partner for bold, flavorful cuisine. It pairs beautifully with grilled or smoked meats such as barbecue ribs, tri-tip, or pepper-crusted steak, where its dark fruit and oak-driven spice complement char and smoke. Braised short ribs, beef chili, or hearty pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces also work exceptionally well, as the wine’s structure stands up to savory depth. For a more casual pairing, it shines alongside gourmet burgers, sausages, or wood-fired pizza topped with roasted vegetables or cured meats. Aged cheeses—particularly sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or aged gouda—highlight the wine’s creamy texture and spice.

Serve at 60–65°F (16–18°C) in a large red wine glass to allow the aromatics to fully unfold. While approachable upon opening, a brief decant of 20–30 minutes will further enhance integration and aromatic expression. The 2022 Twin Rivers Zinfandel is drinking beautifully now and will continue to show well over the next 5–7 years, gaining additional savory nuance with time.