2021 Bedrock "Old Vine" California Zinfandel

One of the great stories of the last decade in the world of Domestic Wine is that of Morgan-Twain Peterson and his label Bedrock Wine Company. I can literally write probably 20 pages on why, but you know you aren't going to read it all so I try and give you the short version. 

Morgan grew up in vineyards across California as his dad was maybe one of the most important figures in the popularity of Domestic Zinfandel, Joel Peterson of Ravenswood fame. Morgan caught the bug, boy did he ever catch the bug. He launched himself into the world of wine creating his own label in 2007. A champion of Old Vine Vineyards through out the state, he started where his father left off, making amazing field blended Zins from numerous vineyards many of which were well over 100 years of age. And not only was he making wines from there vineyards but in many cases he was literally saving the vineyards themselves from being pulled up and developed into something not a cool and historic as these grizzled old vines.

Blah, blah. (I'm trying to keep it short, really I am.)

Anyhow this Old Vine Zin is really just that. Old! Do you know there is no actual age needed to call something "Old Vine" in the world of Domestic Wine? True Story! But this wine is, on average, from vines around 80 years of age from famous Zin vineyards like Nervo, Pagani, Papera and Evangelho, amongst others. Bold, spicy, briary, it checks all the key words for Zin, but without excess alcohol or unnecessary residual sugar left in the wine. Enjoy the boldness of this wine and the love that Morgan has for making it because, honestly, it is way to affordable for how great it truly is every year. (Bryan, GTO)

94 points from Wine Spectator: "Spry and briary, this Zinfandel is fun to drink, with lively black cherry, licorice and dried sage flavors, which take on richness and cracked pepper accents toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2031. 4,000 cases made." (5/31/23)

From Vinous: "The 2021 Zinfandel Old Vine is a very pretty wine. The aromatics are really popping today, with tons of Zinfandel red-toned fruit pushed forward. Sweet floral and spice weave throughout, leading to a soft, silky finish. This flavorful, mid-weight Zinfandel is a bit lighter than Bedrock fans are likely to expect. Vineyard sites include Teldeschi, Beeson, Sodini, Nervo, Dommen, Pagani, Papera, Evangelho, Pato, Katushas' and Bedrock." (1/23)