TN: Bedrock Zin EsolaVnyd '17...(short/boring)

WINE TALK
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After the Cigar let me down, I opened this to go with my FritoPie Sausage & Sauerkraut:

  1. Bedrock Zin EsolaVnyd (14.4%; Tended by Denise Esola) Sonoma 2017: Med.dark color; very classic Esola/briary/Amador/blackberry/Zin/very spicy very light toasty/oak bit old-timey Amador Zin nose; lightly tart strong Amador/briary/blackberry/Zin/very spicy light toasty/oak some dusty/OV very attractive classic Amador flavor w/ light bit tangy tannins; very long/lingering very spicy/Amador briary/blackberry slight toasty/oak bit dusty/OV slight peppery lovely finish w/ light gentle tannins; a rather restrained/elegant expression of Amador Zin (not too often that Amador & elegant are used together) in a sort of old-timey way; lovely expression of Amador Zin. $34.00

A wee BloodyPulpit:

  1. I have, of course, followed the EsolaVnyd from the very start, when they were first given a vnyd-designate by CarnerosCreek and Ridge about 1972. Did a visit w/ Ernie & Lena D’Agostini Esola back in the mid-'70’s; two of the most gracious hosts I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. The vnyd was co-owned by Ernie & John Esola. The old Zin block was retained by daughter, Denise, and the other block, containing the Cabernet, went to another member of the family on John’s side.
    PaulDraper and FrankMahoney dropped the production of Esola (and Eschen) Zins in the late '70’s; a decision for which they have received much consternation & whining from me over the yrs. I believe Ridge is going to be sourcing Zin from up in Amador once again.
    I was quite taken by this latest Esola Zin. It’s nice to see Esola back up in the top-tier of Calif Zins once again, thanks to Morgan’s efforts. This was not nearly as big/extracted/alcoholic as the old Esolas from CarnerosCreek or Ridge. It reminds some of the old BeauVal or SutterHome Deaver Zins of yore. Quite an attractive/drinkable Zin much as BillEaston would make. Resembles the Turley JudgeBell Zin, which are not nearly as extracted/oaked/alcoholic under Tegan as they used to be…much more expressive of the vnyd.
    Tom
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Tom, thanks for the note. I appreciate your willingness to pop a youngster like this and share your thoughts. I had the urge to do the same with a 2017 Bedrock OV Zin a few weeks ago and even with lots of air it was not a great experience; however, it does provide a glimpse into the future - and the future was bright. I made my first visit to the Sierra Foothills Region this fall and I was pleasantly surprised with the wines in general. I think they do better with Syrah, Grenache and Barbera but that is just me. Cheers!

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I’ve found the ovz needs some time.

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Thanks for the tasting note, Tom!!! [thankyou.gif]


I have been interested in this bottling (along with/the “Schmeidt Rd”, since Bedrock first released it. The site is pretty far from the other vineyards, geographically, and the TN’s depict a more delicate wine, generally speaking.


From all I have read, the region doesn’t get enough credit. Thankfully that is changing.

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for sure the 17 does.
We just finished a bottle over 2 nights.