Bedrock, Evangelho Heritage Wine, Contra Costa County

From vines planted in the 1890s, own-rooted on banks of deep sand a mere mile from the Sacramento River delta, this vineyard has exploded from relative obscurity a decade ago and is now being appreciated for the world-class site it is.  The extended hangtime, combined with the natural intensity of the wind-blown, sand dune terroir has made for a dense, vibrant, and classic Evangelho Heritage Wine. Composed of separate, field-blended sections from this iconic vineyard, the final wine is about 78% Zinfandel and 16% Mourvèdre with the balance being Carignan and small amounts of Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Palomino, and even the fruits of a single, huge Clairette Blanche vine. This is as deeply colored an Evangelho as I can remember making, and this, combined with the natural freshness and perfume from a long growing season, shows off the exuberant black raspberry, curry spice, and salted plum so typical of the site. A truly great Evangelho.