At a glance

Producer

Rosenblum Cellars

Region

Contra Costa County, California, USA

Grape variety

Zinfandel

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-30 USD

Tasting profile

Jammy blackberry, raspberry, and plum with notes of pepper, licorice, and hints of leather and dried herbs. Tertiary (aged) nuances emerging.

Evolution: Fruit character fading; structure increasingly dominated by earth, spice, and leathery notes.

At peak: Peak was likely 2015-2017, showing vivid fruit, spice, and classic Zinfandel lushness.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium, now integrating and softening

Alcohol

Moderate-High (typically 14-15%)

Aging potential

Short-Medium term; best within 5-8 years of vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2014 to 2017

Optimal window

2013 to 2018

Current status

Ending optimal drinking window; drink soon.

Current condition

Mature; may show tertiary notes. Monitor for fading fruit.

Zinfandel from Contra Costa County is typically approachable young with bold fruit and spice. By 2024, most 2010 bottlings are past their best but can offer enjoyable mature flavors for enthusiasts. Immediate consumption is advised.

Food pairing

Barbecued meats, spicy sausages, slow-cooked lamb, hard cheeses.

Serving

Decant

Yes (30 minutes) — The wine is 15 years old with medium tannins that are integrating and softening, which suggests it can benefit from aeration to enhance its aromas and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 4/10

Producer is mid-sized, with traditional viticulture and no publicized advanced renewable energy or water conservation programs in 2010. Standard glass packaging; no lightweight or recycled bottles reported.

Rosenblum Cellars in 2010 did not emphasize sustainability commitments. No environmental certifications, standard vineyard and cellar practices, and conventional packaging keep the overall sustainability score below average. Improvements may have occurred since, but they are not relevant for the 2010 vintage.