2012 Sonoma Valley "Bedrock Vineyard" Zinfandel
97% Zinfandel
3% Mixed Black Varieties (Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Alicante Bouschet, and others)
In 2012, yields at Bedrock Vineyard were higher than average. But given the warm growing season and its warm location (it’s located in what is referred to as the “banana belt” of Sonoma Valley), the higher yields were actually a good thing. It slowed down sugar accumulation and gave us at least a couple more weeks of hang time. The result is what I consider to be our best Bedrock Zinfandel to date. Picked September 26th, the must was cold soaked for four days before inoculating for primary fermentation. All French oak (22% new) and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Note:
Medium-dark ruby-garnet. Knockout, head-turning aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and blood orange with a pleasing subtle herbaceousness. Really gorgeous stuff! The wine glides across the palate with a satin-like texture, displaying plenty of dark, luscious cherry and berry fruit. From mid-palate through finish, mineral inflected flavors that bring to mind the vineyard’s rocky soils play off the refined tannins. This will age well. Enjoy 2015 with a good decant through 2024. (MRO – 07/18/14)