Bedrock Wine Co. · Old Vine Zinfandel · 2023
Bedrock Old Vine Zinfandel 2023 offers juicy berry fruit, floral lift and peppery spice in a textured, inviting red. Cherry, raspberry and plum notes meet savory accents and a fresh finish, balancing generosity with restraint.
Producer & Farming
Thoughtful farming and the rehabilitation of ancient vineyards are central to Bedrock's work. Bedrock Vineyard itself is certified Organic and Regenerative Organic; the team applies the same core ethos to its outside vineyards, adapting practices to each site's soils and rainfall. These vineyard certifications do not establish certification for the entire Old Vine blend.
The approach emphasizes biodiversity, minimal soil disturbance, soil protection and animal integration. Winter and spring cover crops include more than 20 species from seven to eight plant families, supplemented by native insectary rows, pollinator pathways, owl boxes and raptor roosts. Non-till practices protect soil biology and carbon, while crimping shades the ground and helps moderate vineyard temperatures. Short periods of intensive seasonal grazing are followed by cover-crop regrowth before crimping.
Bedrock reports a fourfold increase in soil microbiology through animal integration. Its farming account describes organic matter rising from below 1% to above 5%, improving water-holding capacity by over 80,000 gallons per acre and storing 32 additional tons of carbon per acre. It notes that a 1% rise in soil organic matter can add 20,000+ gallons of water-holding capacity per acre, and compares rain absorption of 10 inches per hour in non-till systems with half an inch in tilled systems. The regenerative approach also reduces reliance on energy-intensive conventional fertilizers and offsite compost.
Jake Neustadt, Director of Viticulture. “What's inspiring about farming is when you start to think about terroir as a system where the plant is communicating with the soil. If you want to express terroir, you want the plant to be communicating with its soil instead of relying on external inputs, which the goal of everything we are doing.”
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023
Jeb Dunnuck · 93 Points · 2023. The 2023 Zinfandel Old Vine was raised in 600-gallon foudre with a small proportion (8%) in new oak, and it’s roughly 90% Zinfandel along with an eclectic field mix. The nose opens to bright peppery spice, fresh cut flowers, and black raspberries, with deeper notes of fresh sanguine earth coming through. The palate is full-bodied yet restrained, with a detailed structure and length with a mountainous feel. It’s a great lens into the range they produce here at Bedrock and a tremendous value. Drink 2025-2032.
James Suckling · 92 Points · 2023. An expressive, fruity and well-balanced wine that shows the rich berry aromas of the grape variety while keeping a slightly tangy, lightly tannic texture that’s refreshing. Raspberries, red cherries, red plums and hints of sage and orange peel. Made from vines with an average age of 80 years.
Wine Spectator · 92 Points · 2023. Sleek and juicy, with fan-friendly cherry, raspberry, toasty spice and briar accents that glide on the zesty finish. Drink now through 2033.
Vinous · 91 Points · 2023. The 2023 Zinfandel Old Vine is a very pretty wine. Floral, spice-inflected and lifted, the 2023 is such a classy offering. In this vintage, the Old Vine Zinfandel is incredibly varietal. Even so, it is sensual, silky and wonderfully inviting. The blend is built on a core of fruit from Sodini, Bedrock, Teldeschi and Evangelho, with smaller bits from several other properties in the portfolio. Most of the wine is aged in neutral vessels, with a well-judged touch of spice from some new oak that adds flair. What an absolute delight.
Winemaker Description
The largest single component comes from the old vines at Bedrock, followed by the perfumed goodness of Esola, the softer but fresh Schmiedt, and the peppery, dark-fruited Nervo Ranch.
As usual, almost all of the wine consists of declassified barrels from vineyard-designated wines, so it offers serious bang for the buck. 85% Zinfandel with the balance a blend of Carignan, Mataro, Grenache, and Alicante Bouschet, along with esoteric creatures like Aubun, Abouriou, and many more.
Pairing & Serving
Try grilled sausages, barbecued pork, roast lamb or mushroom pizza. Serve slightly below room temperature and allow time in the glass to explore its fruit, flowers and spice.
Details
- Producer: Bedrock Wine Co.
- Vintage: 2023
- Country: United States
- Region: California
- Listed appellation: Sonoma Valley
- Grape / blend: Zinfandel-led field blend; the undated winemaker note and 2023 review give different percentages
- Type: Red wine
- Bottle size: 750ml
- Vineyard character: Old vines
- Farming: Regenerative principles; Bedrock Vineyard is certified Organic and Regenerative Organic
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