2021 Bedrock "Old Vine" California Zinfandel

Dark sweet cherries on the nose. Often typical of old vine Zinfandel, the stewed dark fruit and blackberry compote with healthy tannins is really muscular. Like chewing raisins or currants. Will age for about 10-12 years. (JG)

The best Zinfandel on the planet for $25. And it's not even close. The average vine age for this bottling is 80 years and some parcels are over 130 years old! Bedrock's Old Vine Zin comes from the finest plantings of the grape in California including: Teldeschi, Beeson, Sodini, Nervo, Pagani, Papera, Evangelho, Pato, Katushas’ and Bedrock. This wine is a complex assemblage of ancient vine fruit that is 85% Zinfandel, 7% Carignan, 4% Cinsault, plus small amounts of Grand Noir, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet and other field-blended varieties. Despite being one of the least expensive wines Bedrock make, they know this is a wine that sees more exposure than any other and serves as an introduction to what they do and what they stand for. Thus, a huge amount of care and diligence goes into making sure this wine the very best expression of California Zin it can be. The 2021 vintage had a long, cool end to the growing season and allowed winemakers to pick where and when they wanted. Zinfandel that is prone raisin in late season heat, could hang on the vine and develop wonderful flavor with getting overly ripe. The result is a rich, powerful Zin, but one with vitality and freshness, too. Brambly black and red fruits, spiced cherry, leather, scorched earth and camphor. Lush and ripe, but spicy and floral too. A nice little grip on the palate and brightness from the Carignan. A very complete wine, impeccably put together and seamless. A phenomenal value.