Bedrock Wine Co. California Old Vine Zinfandel 2023

Winemaking

Bedrock Wine Co. was founded by Morgan Simpson and Jade Brisson with a mission to honor California's heritage vineyards—those gnarled, weathered old-vine blocks that most producers overlook. Their philosophy centers on sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking, letting the fruit and terroir speak without unnecessary manipulation or new oak.

Tasting Notes

This old-vine Zinfandel opens with ripe dark berries—blackberry and plum—alongside white pepper and subtle spice notes that draw you in. On the palate, you'll find concentrated jammy red fruit flavors held together by rustic, well-integrated tannins and a whisper of oak that doesn't dominate. The finish is warm and lingering, with licorice and dried herb notes that echo for several minutes, giving the wine real depth and complexity.

Producer

Bedrock focuses specifically on sourcing fruit from California's oldest and most characterful vineyards—many planted in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Rather than owning a single grand estate, they work as custodians of these heritage blocks, farming them with care and bottling them as single-vineyard expressions or thoughtful blends. This approach has made Bedrock a respected voice in the natural wine movement while remaining approachable and food-friendly.

Terroir

California's best old-vine Zinfandels come from parcels scattered across the state—from Sonoma County to the Sierra foothills—each with its own microclimate and soil history. These ancient vines are typically dry-farmed and stress-adapted, producing smaller yields of intensely flavored fruit. The 2023 vintage benefited from California's moderate growing season, allowing for balanced ripeness without the overblown alcohol that can sometimes plague the varietal.

Food Pairings

Try this with a grilled burger topped with caramelized onions and aged cheddar—the rustic tannins and dark fruit will cut through the richness beautifully. It's also excellent alongside slow-braised short ribs with rosemary and garlic, where the wine's licorice and herb notes will echo the aromatics of the dish. For something lighter, serve it with roasted chicken thighs and root vegetables; the wine's concentration won't overwhelm the poultry.