Rock Wall Obsidian Black Rock Ranch – A Rich, Almost Decadent Fruit Bomb That Just Goes A Little Too Far

Last Updated on May 14, 2026

IMG_4187

50% Petite Sirah, 50% Zinfandel. Sample received courtesy Rock Wall Wine Company for review purposes. SRP of $20.

From the bottle:

This wine is a blend of 50% Zinfandel and 50% Petite Sirah from Nil Venge’s Black Rock Ranch in the Red Hills of Lake County. The vines are head-pruned and grown in the volcanic soil from the Red Hills. This vineyard is so packed full of obsidian that it actually glows under the moonlight. The finished wine is rich with sasparilla, red licorice, graphite minerality, dark chocolate, cherry vanilla, venison, cola, and has a soft, velvety blueberry finish. 15.1% alcohol.

Only 203 cases of the 2009 Rock Wall Obsidian were produced. So how many grapes does it take to make 203 cases? About 4 tons according to the winemaker:

The Zinfandel and Petite Sirah grapes came to us on September 29th, 2009. With only two tons of each, lots that small always feel like babies, so essentially these two lots were babied a bit. We crushed, fermented and aged them independently of one another, so they could develop their own personalities.

Would You Like To Save This?

Subscribe and we'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

We won't send you spam, unsubscribe at any time.

The 2009 Rock Wall Obsidian exhibits aromas of cherry vanilla coke and root beer on the nose. This is a sweet, fruity and spicy wine with zing. The high alcohol level adds some heat to the medium long finish. This is a solid 8, my only hesitation is that there is nothing subtle about this wine at all, everything about it is over the top. It’s like going to see one of the crazy action movies that Hollywood puts out these days…don’t try to think about it too much, just sit back and enjoy the ride and you’ll have a great time.

IMG_4175

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.


Taste Rating: 8              Cost Rating: 1
Overall Rating: 6.3
Jon Thorsen

ABOUT JON THORSEN

Author and independent wine consumer helping millions of people find great wines without breaking the bank since 2011. Sign up for my FREE GUIDE to learn how! Read more about me...

FREE 5-DAY GUIDE

How To Drink Great Wine...Without Breaking The Bank

Ready to start drinking the best wine of your life, and save money doing it? Follow the path to savings and sign up for our 5 Day Free Guide!