Bedrock Wine Co. "Evangelho Vineyard" Heritage Red 2021
(Contra Costa County, California) - [JD 96] [WS 94] [VM 94]

About the Wine:
Well-balanced crops on these 1890s planted, own-rooted vines lead to even ripening and a slightly later than normal harvest in this typically early area. What this means is full phenolic maturity at lower than normal sugars, with Carignan and Mataro being picked as low as 22.5 brix and turning black with color in the fermenter. As always, the wine is a blend of the three dominant field-blended varieties at the vineyard Zinfandel, Mataro and Carignan though it also contains bits and bobs of Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Mission, Palomino and even a single, ancient Clairette Blanche vine (definitely had to go to the DNA to ID that one!). 

Composed of own-rooted, old-vine Carignan, Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, Alicante, Mission, and Palomino that underwent native yeast fermentation and aged in a combination of French and Austrian oak, approximately 12% new. Only 900 cases produced. Notes from the producer: "Of all the vineyards we farm, Evangelho has been hit the hardest by the record drought conditions we’re currently experiencing in California. Cropping was less than a third of average at 1.1 tons per acre, and the wine shows the added degree of intensity as a result. We have joked that the 2021 is almost like a 'demi-glace' of Evangelho, where all its core elements have been concentrated by the small berries and lack of crop. As always, there is great natural brightness here due to winds that sweep through the vineyard every day of the growing season combined with dense red fruits, spice and the signature umami element imparted by the interplanted Mataro and Carignan. This will likely be one of the most age-worthy Evangelhos we have made based on its density alone."                                     

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck

"From Zinfandel grown in the pure sand soils of this incredible site, the 2021 Evangelho Vineyard Heritage is lifted and pure with raspberry liqueur, fresh flowers, and brushy earth. Medium-bodied, with a highly refined structure, it reveals a floral perfume of herbes de Provence and rose petals that lasts long after the wine has dissipated. With fine tannins and a gorgeous, sandy mineral texture, it’s a beautiful wine to drink over the next 10 or more years." Audrey Frick (07/23)

94 Points - Wine Spectator

"Dynamic and generous, this blend offers tiers of cassis and bright cherry flavors accented by anise, rose petal and green peppercorn. Sails on the supple finish toward briary tannins. Zinfandel, Mataro and Carignan. Drink now through 2031. 500 cases made." Tim Fish (5/1/23)

94 Points - Vinous

"The 2021 Evangelho Heritage Wine is dark, sensual and wonderfully expressive. Blue fruit, spice, lavender and leather all meld together in this beautifully layered Zinfandel-based field blend. The 2021 possesses unreal complexity and depth, with much of its intensity coming from punishingly low yields. The 2021 is simply fabulous." Antonio Galloni (1/23)