I have long admired what Morgan Twain-Peterson and the team at Bedrock Wine Company are doing. Their mission is simple but important: preserve California's historic, old-vine vineyards and turn them into wines that speak clearly of place.
Their 2023 Evangelho Heritage Red is a perfect example. It's the best vintage of this wine I've had to date, and I think I've tasted every release back to 2015. The critics agreed, with Antonio Galloni of Vinous Media rating it 95 points and Wine Spectator loving it too, scoring it at 94 points.
At just $43.99/bottle best price (no further discounts), it's one of the best prices in the country on this stunning Zinfandel-led blend. With only 48 bottles available to us, don't wait too long!
The Evangelho Vineyard in Contra Costa County is one of California's true treasures. Planted in the 1890s on its own roots in deep sandy soils near the Sacramento River Delta, these ancient vines continue to produce one of California's most distinctive reds.
Built on a foundation of 78% Zinfandel and 16% Mourvèdre, with smaller amounts of Carignan, Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Palomino, and Clairette Blanche, the 2023 offers up a perfect combination of power, energy, freshness, and complexity. Galloni called it "fabulous" and "intensely floral and lifted," while Wine Spectator praised its "style and polish."
I'll chime in too. Flowing with notes of red berries, blood orange, lavender, mint, and spice, this captures the personality of Evangelho beautifully. It drinks great now, but it has the structure to reward a few years in the cellar. Drink now through 2035.
Just 750 cases were produced, so quantities are extremely limited. If you love old-vine California reds with history, character, and a real sense of place, I would strongly encourage you to stock up.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
