Red - Zinfandel

The August Briggs Old Vine Zinfandel 2018 is a combination of two local historic vineyards and we are excited at the addition of the famed Canard Vineyard for the ‘Old Vines’ bottling. The Canard Vineyard (formerly named Tucker Ranch) is one of the oldest in Calistoga and they source fruit from a mix of vine plantings from the 1920’s and 1870’s! That fruit is added in with the amazing 1906 Luvisi vineyard zinfandel and well… its dynamite in a bottle! The effusive aromas of this wine jump out and grab you letting you know that your mouth is in for a special treat! Dark ruby in color with aromas of raspberry jam, boysenberry, clove and brambleberry. This is what you can call an old style Zinfandel. This is a Zin that will drink tonight but will improve with another 4-7 years of aging. 350 cases produced.

“I am incredibly proud of this wine.  I have said it here before but it bears repeating—even though this is one of the least expensive wines we make, in many ways it is the most important.  First, it is the one Bedrock wine that trickles out to most markets, so if someone gets introduced to our wines, there is a good chance it is this one.  As such, it has to be reflective of the style we place value on.  Second, this is the wine that allows us to rehab old vineyards by giving us a place to put the fruit while we upgrade farming, pruning, and soil health; at an average of 80 years of age, these lovely old vines appreciate the attention.  Third, we now farm over 50% of the fruit that goes into this bottling, which allows us to make the hard farming decisions (dropping fruit, picking in multiple passes, etc.) to ensure we get the quality we need.  Fourth, it is a statewide blend of vines, which means we can flex towards the strengths of a vintage.  In 2018 we were able to put extra focus on the great quality in Contra Costa County (27%), Dry Creek (12%), Sonoma Valley (17%), Alexander Valley (11%), and Lodi (10%) to create a delicious, balanced and juicy wine.  Fifth, we want this wine to spread the gospel of Zinfandel from California, and as such this sees fruit from great sites such as Evangelho, Bedrock, Nervo Ranch, Teldeschi Ranch, Sodini and Pato Vineyard.  The 2018 is a blend of 85% Zinfandel filled out with Mataro, Grenache, Alicante Bouschet, Carignan, Petite Sirah and scant amounts of the many other varieties that can be found in California’s older, multifarious vineyards. Drink 2019-2030.” -Morgan Twain-Peterson. Rich and supple, this is an explosion of pure, decadent fruit. Floral huckleberry and Chinese five-spice powder aromas open to layered blackberry, dark chocolate and licorice flavors that linger.

The name of the Carol Shelton Karma Zinfandel 2016 was bestowed in gratitude for the many gifts of good Karma received in life, whatever the source.  When positive energy is put forth in hard work mixed with integrity, the giver is rewarded with success, the fulfillment of a dream. Quite lively and fragrant with ripe blueberry, raspberry and blackberry fruits, tart pomegranate and red Jolly ranchers! Cedar box, brown spices- nutmeg/cinnamon, cherry cola, dark chocolate, a soft whiff of violets, creamy vanilla oak, kick of pepper spice. Very complexly layered weaving of fruit and spice, uber-dense and deep—wow! Rich in mouth, bright berry fruit tang like a wonderful berry cobbler, good structure for aging, a bit chewy in its youth. 235 cases produced.

77% Zinfandel blended with 12% Alicante Bouschet, 8% Petite Sirah 3% Carignane

Gold Medal

The Carol Shelton Old Vine Mendocino Zinfandel 2017 is a treasure. Grown on the benchlands and slopes of mountainsides — this 60 plus year old vine Zinfandel was named for these wild- looking vines and also for the uninoculated, or “wild,” yeast ferment that was used to create it. Aromas of black cherry, ripe plum and raspberry fruit combine with a hint of graphite, cigar box, and vanilla-oak baking spice loveliness. Smoothly textured in mouth, and the palate is very creamy and round, with a finish that is long with lush jammy fruit. 76% Old Vine Zinfandel, 15% old vine Carignane, 9% Petite Sirah

The Dry Creek Old Vine Zinfandel presents alluring aromatics of blackberry, boysenberry and bright Bing cherry with notes of cocoa powder, cardamom, and fine leather. On the palate, brambly layers of black cherry, blackberry and black raspberry come forward with nuances of nutmeg and white pepper. The wine is complex, with bright acidity complimented by a long, lingering finish. The tannins are structured, but soft, and lend a round, rich mouthfeel.

So broad and deep are the flavors in this mountain-grown, to call it intense is an understatement. Massive in briary, brambly blackberries, it has layers of baking spices, especially cloves and cinnamon, orange zest, and a sweet, concentrated burst of liquefied red licorice. There’s also meaty note: think teriyaki beef tartare. The alcohol is high, as indeed it has to be in a wine like this, which would not be ripe without it; but there’s no heat, just a mouth-filling warmth that rewards slow sipping.