Bedrock's flagship vineyard. Located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, the 62-hectare vineyard is known as the home vineyard of Ravenswood. It was acquired in 2005 by the Peterson family, and is a historic vineyard that has been cultivating grapes for over 150 years. The main varieties are Zinfandel and Carignan, with 27 varieties planted in a patchwork style. It is characterized by red fruit with citrus nuances and spiciness. (New oak ratio 20-30%, production volume approximately 700 cases) The 2016 VTG was selected as one of the TOP 10 of WS magazine in 2018.
Comments from Morgan on the historical evolution of the vineyard
This is a very old and historic vineyard in Sonoma Valley, owned and cultivated by Civil War commander William Tecumseh (Indian chief) Sherman and Major General Joseph (Fighting Joe) Hooker in 1854, and continues to this day as a vineyard (about 150 years have passed since cultivation). After that, the first phylloxera epidemic occurred from the 1850s to the 1880s.
It was replanted between 1888 and 1895 by the next owner, Senator George Hearst (also known as the Father of California, whose son William Randolph Hearst was famous as the owner of the San Francisco Examiner).
From the early 1900s through Prohibition, it was managed by the California Wine Association.
In 1934, it was purchased by the Italian Parducci family (later Valley of the Moon Winery).
In 1953, the company divided the vineyards with its business partners, the Dominici family. The Parducci family (Valley of the Moon) took the winery and a small portion of the vineyard, while the Dominici family acquired the majority of the vineyard, 62 hectares called the Madrone Ranch, and supplied grapes to many famous wineries. (One of the most notable examples is the vineyard that my father, Joel Peterson, considered very important and made wine with great care.)
In 2005, through my father's connections, my family/the Peterson family was honored to acquire this historically significant vineyard with the potential to produce top quality grapes from the Dominici family.
After acquiring the property, the company has thoroughly reviewed the entire field and is implementing new cultivation management measures based on comprehensive judgment in order to make the most of the field and pass on this treasure to the next generation in the best possible way.
They have transitioned to organic, environmentally sustainable farming methods, increasing the use of cover crops, reducing the use of fertilizer, and treating the soil gently by tilling with small biodiesel-fueled tractors and being careful not to compact the soil.
The training method of some plots has been changed, and some plots have been replanted with other varieties and clones.
This vineyard has never been owned by a winemaker before, so my father, who is also a winemaker, and I are currently using our knowledge and experience to determine and innovate the cultivation methods.
Nowadays, many famous wineries are requesting to use this grape.
Morgan's comments on wine
The Bedrock Heritage Red Wine is made from grapes grown in this precious vineyard, which includes vines that are approximately 120 years old, and is the first wine I made when I founded Bedrock Wines in 2007, as a wine that I hold dear.
The vineyard is planted in a patchwork of 25 varieties, mainly Zinfandel and Carignan, and the soil is red clay mixed with rocks. This soil produces red fruit with citrus nuances and spiciness, and we are confident that the characteristics of this vineyard are fully expressed.
Fermented using natural yeast, aged for about a year in French and Austrian barrels (approximately 20-30% new) ranging in size from 228 liters to 600 liters, and bottled with only minimal racking.
2021 marks the 15th year since we started making this wine.
A mild spring and cool summer allowed the sugar levels to rise slowly, resulting in perfect ripeness and a wonderful balance of acidity.
This is the best finish from The Bedrock to date.
The vineyard's characteristic spice, citrus oil (Cointreau), and deep red fruit notes of mulberry and raspberry are apparent.
It can be enjoyed early on, and you can expect it to age well.
Planted in deep sand with its own roots / phylloxera free
Field Information
Bedrock Vineyards
A 62-hectare vineyard in the heart of Sonoma Valley.
It is known as the home vineyard of Ravenswood.
Acquired by the Peterson family in 2005.
This is one of Sonoma's most historic vineyards, having been cultivating grapes for over 150 years.
Vintage: 2021
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main varieties: Zinfandel, Carignan
Blended varieties: 25 other varieties mixed together
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Sonoma Valley
Vineyard: Bedrock Vineyard
Notes: Vinous 96P Jan.2023 by Antonio Galloni
Winemaker: Morgan Twain-Peterson
Vinification: Fermented with natural yeast
Aging: Aged for about one year in French and Austrian barrels (new barrel ratio approx. 20-30%), ranging from 228 liters to 600 liters
Soil: Rocky red clay soil
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%