rating B

standout Sonoma off-shoot of Bedrock winery

about Bedrock is a Sonoma-based winery run by Chris Cottrell and Morgan Twain-Peterson MW with a focus on old vines from heritage vineyards. Their sparkling wine project is “Under the Wire.” The wines are always vintage and from historic vineyards around California’s North Coast. The wines are consistent with Bedrock’s overall approach to expressing the history of California and individual wines, though in the bubbles a different expression. Zinfandel, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are the grape varieties used, though the make-up changes each year.

wines tasted

Bedrock Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel 2019 ($55)

The Bedrock vineyard is located between Sonoma and Glen Ellen in the heart of Sonoma Valley. The first plantings were in the 1860s by the infamous General Hooker. It may seem strange to make quality sparkling wine from Zinfandel, but this is an ode to California’s past when early-picked Zinfandel was used for bubbles. The wine is fruity in a California, Zinfandel way, with high acid and a spicy, toasty lees feel.

Alder Springs Pinot Noir 2018 ($62)

The Alder Springs vineyard is in Mendocino and has a high reputation for Pinot Noir. A very light copper colour from an hour’s skin contact after foot-treading. Another example of a fruity but high-acid California sparkling wine from a cooler, coastal climate.

website https://www.underthewirewines.com/

email info@underthewirewines.com

phone +1 707-343-1478

address 414 First Street East, Sonoma