Bedrock Wine Co. "Evangelho Vineyard" Heritage Red 2022
(Contra Costa County, California) - [VM 95] [WS 94] [WA 92]

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

95 Points - Vinous:
Zinfandel plays the leading role in the 2022 Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Wine. Dark-toned fruit, spice, new leather, licorice and menthol effortlessly fill out the wine's layers, while time in the glass releases its inner sweetness and perfume. This is a fine edition of this cuvée. 2026 - 2037

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
Deeply structured yet polished and lively, with rich black raspberry and cherry flavors that take on savory anise, cracked pepper and briar accents as this gains structure toward medium-grained tannins. Zinfandel, Mataro, Carignan, Alicante and Palomino. Drink now through 2034. 750 cases made.

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

The 2022 Evangelho Vineyard Heritage comes from vines planted in the 1890s in sandy soils, which Bedrock now owns and farms. Grapes were harvested in August before the Labor Day heatwave, and the wine is composed mainly of Zinfandel. Matured in foudres and large demi-muids, it has layered aromas of blueberries and blackberries, peppered salumi, lilac and spicy undertones. The medium-bodied palate has a concentrated core of perfumed fruit. It’s structured by clay-textured tannins and rounded acidity and has a long, mineral-driven finish. 2025-2035.