Red - Zinfandel

“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

This enticing Sonoma County wine highlights a bright red-fruit and spice expression of Zinfandel. The majority of the fruit came from elite vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley, an area universally recognized for producing exceptional high-end Zinfandel. This rich and alluring Zinfandel displays aromas of ripe blackberry, wild blueberry, plum and black currants, along with hints of cedar and spice from barrel aging. On the palate, the luxurious dark berry flavors glide across velvety tannins, carrying the wine to a long, juicy finish.