Embracing the heritage of ancient vineyards and ensuring they continue to prosper is the most noble duty of today's California vigneron. Bedrock Wine Co. has used this concept as the foundation of their winery, farming vineyards themselves and continuing to support other growers who work with historic sites. There's no winery in the state that sees such a diverse range of revered vineyards like the guys at Bedrock. The story of place is undoubtedly where it all starts, but the quality of wines from this duo represent the very best that California old vines have to offer. 

Morgan Twain-Peterson grew up in the vineyards working closely with his father, Joel Peterson of Ravenswood fame. The child prodigy began making his own wine, Vino Bambino, at age five and starting with the 1986 vintage it was poured at top restaurants in New York City. In 2007, after countless experiences home and abroad, Morgan founded Bedrock Wine Co. using a converted chicken coop on the outskirts of Sonoma. 

Chris Cotrell had worked with Morgan at a small boutique wine shop in New York City's upper east side. A strong friendship grew, and after a decade selling fine wine in NYC and many harvests with Morgan he received a call from his buddy telling him it was time the two made wine together. Upon his move cross country Chris and Morgan founded Under the Wire, a superb sparkling wine project focusing on single vineyard designate bottlings.

It's common today that old vineyards are torn up each year as producers look to re-plant with varieties like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon that can demand the very highest prices, regardless if the terroir is ideally suited. Bedrock's commitment to these heritage sites is a huge reason why we're able to drink the most storied history that California can offer.

Of the long list of terrific wines the duo produces, it's without a doubt that the Old Vine Zinfandel and North Coast Syrah offer the most startling value, as they're sourced from some of the states oldest vines and top sites.

Antonio Galloni of Vinous sums up these two wines perfectly,

"The Old Vine Zinfandel and North Coast Syrah are among the best wines readers will come across for the money."

The wines of Bedrock are allocated each year and quantities are painfully low. I always take as much as I can. Seeing each of the wines evolve over time is one of the highlights, but being connected to vineyards planted in the 1800's is a unique and significant experience that deserves our attention regularly.

2015 Bedrock Wine Co. Old Vine Zinfandel 
$27 per bottle.
The 1905-planted Sodini Ranch in Russian River Valley is the base of this blend.

2015 Bedrock Wine Co. North Coast Syrah
$29 per bottle.
From Weill Vineyard, Hudson Vineyard, Griffin’s Lair, Rossi Ranch, and Alder Springs Vineyard. Fermented 50% whole cluster.

Also available

2016 Bedrock Wine Co. Ode to Lulu Rosé
$25 per bottle.

2013 Bedrock Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Wine
$45 per bottle.
Planted in 1890's. A field-blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Mourvedre, and others.

2014 Bedrock Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Wine
$45 per bottle.
Planted in 1890's. A field-blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Mourvedre, and others.

2013 Bedrock Monte Rosso Zinfandel
$49 per bottle.
18990-planted, 2000 ft. up on Mount Veeder. The name derives from the red, iron-rich soils.

2015 Bedrock Wine Co. Papera Ranch Heritage Red
$51 per bottle.
1934-planted in the Russian River Valley. A field blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah, Valdigue, Cabernet Sauvignon, Trousseau Gris, Mission, and others.

2012 Under the Wire Alder Springs Vineyard Sparkling Wine
$76 per bottle.
Chardonnay from Mendocino.

2012 Under the Wire Brosseau Vineyard Sparkling Wine
$76 per bottle.
Chardonnay from Chalone AVA.