2022 Sonoma Valley "Bedrock Vineyard" Zinfandel
95% Zinfandel
5% Mixed Black Varieties (Petite Sirah, Carignan, Alicante Bouschet, Mourvèdre)
Despite getting nipped by frost in April, our two blocks at Bedrock Vineyard provided us with nearly 3.5 tons of fruit, well below 2 tons to the acre but considerably more than in 2021. Picked September 6th, 14% of the juice was drained from the tank to increase the skin to juice ratio. Doing this increases the concentration of the resulting wine. After a 5-day cold soak, fermentation began on its own and after a total of 15 days on the skins, the wine was pressed to all French oak, 25% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium to medium-dark ruby-garnet. Dark cherry, red and black licorice, orange, and cinnamon (the calling card of our 2022 Zins) waft from the glass. On the palate, medium to medium-full bodied with cherries, red plums, and plenty of briar-y spice. Finishes with the typical Bedrock phenolic grip but in this vintage, the tannin blends seamlessly into the wine. For those seeking a sleeker, more elegant rendition of Zinfandel, step right up. This incredibly well-composed and balanced Zin should drink well from release through 2037. (MRO - 07/16/25)