Bedrock Wine Co.

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Country of Origin: USA
Location: Sonoma, California
People: Morgan Twain-Peterson & Chris Cottrell, Owners | Morgan Twain-Peterson, Winemaker
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

Items

Bedrock Wine Co. 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley Login JD 91 In Stock
Bedrock Wine Co. 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley Login On Order
Bedrock Wine Co. 2021 'Cuvee Karatas' Bordeaux Blanc, Sonoma Valley Login AG 95 JD 93 In Stock
Bedrock Wine Co. (3 L) 2022 'Ode to Lulu' Old Vine Rose, California (Box Wine) Login JD 91 In Stock
Bedrock Wine Co. 2022 'Ode to LuLu' Old Vine Rose, California Login AG 92 In Stock
Bedrock Wine Co. 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County Login AG 92 In Stock
Bedrock Wine Co. 2022 Heritage Red, Evangelho Vineyard, Contra Costa County Login AG 95 In Stock
Bedrock Wine Co. 2022 Heritage Red, Old Hill Ranch, Sonoma Valley Login AG 94 In Stock
Bedrock Wine Co. 2021 Heritage Red, Pagani Ranch, Sonoma Valley Login AG 94 <1 Case
Bedrock Wine Co. 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel, California Login AG 89 JD 92 WS 94 <1 Case
Bedrock Wine Co. 2022 Old Vine Zinfandel, California Login AG 90 In Stock
Bedrock Wine Co. 2022 Zinfandel, Beeson Ranch Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley Login In Stock
Bedrock Wine Co. 2022 Zinfandel, Katushas' Vineyard, Lodi Login AG 93 In Stock



Media Links
I'll Drink to That: Episode 236 - Morgan Twain-Peterson
Vinography.com: California's Most Interesting Wines: Tasting the 7% Solution
SFGate: Bedrock Wine Co. - Where past heralds the future
Hospice du Rhone: 22 Questions with...Morgan Twain-Peterson
Food & Wine: F&W's American Wine Awards - Morgan Twain-Peterson is Sonoma's old vine obsessive.
Vineyard 360: Bedrock Vineyard - Sonoma Valley
San Francisco Chronicle: Bedrock Wine Co. takes over Contra Costa's Old-Vine Evangelho Vineyard

Bedrock Wine Co. was founded in 2007 by Morgan Twain-Peterson in a 550 square-foot, former chicken coop with ceilings eight feet high and no fermentation space. After six years of Bedrock being a one-man-show, Morgan was able to talk his best friend, Chris Cottrell, into moving to California from New York to join him. They now happily have a little more space to move around in but share the same objectives that guided the winery at the start.

Bedrock Wine Co. is fundamentally about making wines that are hopefully a soulful expression of a vineyard and a year. Too often though, the critical link that binds a site to the winery is forgotten- the grower. It has been said a thousand times. It does not make it any less true. Great wine is made in the field. Please look through the constellation of viticulture riches that allows Bedrock Wine Co. to craft its diverse range of wines. Also, learn more about each grower.

About Morgan Twain-Peterson: Morgan Twain-Peterson was born at home in Sonoma, Ca. On January 6th, 1981 to Joel Peterson and Kate Twain. Raised at his father’s Ravenswood Winery, Morgan was exposed to wine and wine tasting at an early age. In David Darlington’s Angel’s Visits, it is noted that, “Morgan, at the age of five, could distinguish between Merlot and Zinfandel.” Morgan began making small lots of Pinot Noir at 5 from fruit given to him by the Sangiacomo family. Motivated by the best wines of Domaine Dujac, he began experimenting with whole cluster fermentation, different types of French oak, and various ripeness points. Vino Bambino Pinot Noir, as the wine came to be known, was made from 1986 to 2001 and has been featured on the wine lists of Craft, Gramercy Tavern, Blue Hill (which featured the original 1986), Delmonico’s, Aureole, and Mesa Grill.

While doing undergraduate work at Vassar (whose founder was a brewer of all things), and graduate work at Columbia University, Morgan worked as a wine buyer and salesperson for Arlington Wines and Liquors in Poughkeepsie, and Chelsea Wine Vault and Pet Wines in Manhattan.

Morgan returned home to Sonoma in 2005 to work harvest at Ravenswood. From there he spent time as a visiting winemaker at Hardy’s Tintara in McLaren Vale (where he also spent a few highly educational days with Drew and Rae Noon at Noon Winery), and in the fall of 2006 was a visiting winemaker at Chateau Lynch-Bages in Pauillac. When not working for Bedrock Wine Co., Morgan is a manager of his family’s Bedrock Vineyards in Sonoma Valley, and is a member of Sunbreak Vineyard Services L.L.C, a vineyard management company run by Diane Kenworthy and Robert Burney. He has also passed the prestigious Master of Wine exam and upon successful completion of the dissertation will become one of the (less than thirty) American Master of Wine.

When not doing wine-related things Morgan enjoys his garden of heirloom vegetables, playing piano, hiking, and cooking up good grub.

“Though I consider the winemaking at Bedrock to be very rudimentary there are several core principles that define the general philosophy. By using incredible sites and maintaining impeccable farming throughout the growing season I can do the bare minimum in the winery. By bare minimum I mean handling fruit gently, in many cases using whole-clusters, and fermenting exclusively with the microflora that comes in with the grapes or is already present in the winery. I use a little new, excellent, French oak and rack as infrequently as possible. I strongly feel that picking the moment the flavors are there is the best way to express site. Thus, I tend to pick earlier than most. I have found that late picking generally occludes terroir but fruit from still vigorous vines brings clarity to site. I generally eschew sorting except in “worst-case scenario” situations. I feel that bringing in the entire range of fruit from a given site results in the truest expression of site with a broader patina of flavors. Though I have the great opportunity to make a wonderful range of wines these rules tend to govern my decision-making in almost all situations.” - Morgan Twain-Peterson

Bedrock named Winery of the Year 2020 by Antonio Galloni for Vinous.

Voted #10 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2018

Vinous 1/2018
"Readers are going to find a number of fabulous choices among these new releases from Morgan Peterson and Chris Cottrell at Bedrock. The Russian River heritage wines in particular – Carlisle, Papera and Dolinsek – are especially brilliant, echoing a theme of sublime finesse I saw in many Russian River 2016s. Then there are the vineyard-designated Syrahs, the Montecillo Cabernet and a handful of other compelling wines. If that sounds like a long shopping list, well, it is."

Vinous 3/2017
"This is a remarkable set of wines from Morgan Peterson and Chris Cottrell at Bedrock. The 2015 Zinfandel and Zinfandel-based blends are outrageously beautiful. My impression is that the fruit is being picked a bit earlier than in the past, as the wines have more brightness and freshness than was once the norm, and yet they also have plenty of depth that has been such a signature here since the beginning. Cottrell attributes the increased ability to pick earlier to a greater emphasis on dry farming. Whatever the reason or reasons, the 2015s are tremendous."

Wine Advocate 10/2016
"Everybody should recognize the incredible speed at which Morgan Twain-Peterson has built his Bedrock Wine Co. into a world-class performer. Moreover, few people have done more to preserve and save heritage/ancient-vine vineyards than Peterson. Here is his new lineup of wines that shows his creative Midas touch for coaxing full character out of his diverse terroirs and blends. His commitment to excellence is something to admire."

Wine Advocate 10/2015
"Morgan Twain-Peterson’s 2014 harvest was the earliest in his relatively brief history of winemaking. But I suspect that 2015 was even earlier based on what was happening when I was in California. These are some of the more exciting wines from heritage sites in California, and Peterson has the right philosophy and a go-get-it attitude that is endearing and positive. All of these wines merit serious interest from readers looking for hedonistic, flavor-filled, full-throttle wines that are bursting with personality."

Reviews

  • Bedrock 2021 'Cuvee Karatas' Bordeaux Blanc, Sonoma Valley
    Vinous
    Rating: 95 (1/24/2023)

    The 2021 Cuvée Karatas is another fabulous white from Bedrock. This is the first year that includes Semillion from a Monte Rosso selection planted at Bedrock (68%) with Sauvignon Blanc from Judge and Uboldi (32%). If that sounds a pretty appealing combination, well, it is. Rich layered and light on its feet, the 2021 is dazzling. It's one of the very best whites I have ever tasted from Bedrock. World class all the way.
  • Bedrock 2021 Heritage Red, Pagani Ranch, Sonoma Valley
    Vinous
    Rating: 94 (1/24/2023)

    The 2021 Pagani Ranch is a beautiful, expressive wine from one of Sonoma Valley's great sites. Rich, pliant and explosive, the 2021 possesses captivating inner perfume, vivid fruit and exceptional balance. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, spice, mocha and a kiss of new oak all race across the palate. An alluring, captivating wine, the Pagani Ranch is total sensuality. As good as the 2021 is - and it is very good - it could have been legendary. That is especially evident when looking at wines from Bedrock and Old Hill, two of the other grand crus of this stretch of vineyards in Sonoma Valley. Unfortunately, this is the last Pagani Ranch for Bedrock.
  • Bedrock 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel, California
    Vinous
    Rating: 89 (1/10/2023)

    The 2021 Zinfandel Old Vine is a very pretty wine. The aromatics are really popping today, with tons of Zinfandel red-toned fruit pushed forward. Sweet floral and spice weave throughout, leading to a soft, silky finish. This flavorful, mid-weight Zinfandel is a bit lighter than Bedrock fans are likely to expect. Vineyard sites include Teldeschi, Beeson, Sodini, Nervo, Dommen, Pagani, Papera, Evangelho, Pato, Katushas’ and Bedrock.
  • Bedrock 2022 'Ode to LuLu' Old Vine Rose, California
    Vinous
    Rating: 92 (5/25/2023)

    Bedrock's 2022 Rosé Ode to Lulu, a blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah, is one of the more complete rosés readers will come across. Deep and beautifully layered, Ode to Lulu is a complex wine that will be at home either as an aperitif or as a companion at the dinner table. Rich, red-toned fruit, crushed flowers and subtle earthy notes all open effortlessly.

  • Bedrock (3 L) 2022 'Ode to Lulu' Old Vine Rose, California (Box Wine)
    Jeb Dunnuck
    Rating: 91 (7/21/2023)

    Composed of 60% Mourvèdre, 35% Grenache, and a small dose of Syrah, the youthful salmon-hued 2022 Ode To Lulu Rose is fragrant with wild berries, wet stone, Mediterranean herbs, and dried flowers. Medium-bodied, with fresh balance, it will certainly have a few years ahead of it.

  • Bedrock 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley
    Jeb Dunnuck
    Rating: 91 (7/21/2023)

    All barrel fermented, the medium straw-colored 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma Valley is soft with tropical aromas as well as fresh herbs, mango skin, fresh peach, and wet stone. A medium bodied white, it boasts rounded fruit, a soft, stony texture, and fresh acidity without any harshness. A very attractive wine, it shows what great Sonoma Sauvignon can be all about. Drink 2023-2028.
  • Bedrock 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel, California
    Jeb Dunnuck
    Rating: 92 (7/21/2023)

    Most of the fruit for the 2021 Zinfandel Old Vine comes from Sonoma. Ripe ruby hued, the wine is fresh with ripe berries and white pepper spice, as well as roses. Medium-bodied, with good structure, fresh acidity, and fine tannins, it has a fully dry style. It is an outstanding value and would also be an outstanding wine to pour by the glass. Drink it over the next few years.
  • Bedrock 2021 'Cuvee Karatas' Bordeaux Blanc, Sonoma Valley
    Jeb Dunnuck
    Rating: 93 (7/21/2023)

    The 2021 Cuvee Karatas White Wine is 60% Semillon and the rest Sauvignon Blanc and leads with elegant and soft tropical aromas of guava, lemon oil, and jasmine green tea. Medium-bodied, with a soft, supple texture and a clean feel, it offers fresh citrus notes of white grapefruit, chive, and chalky earth. Drink 2023-2030.
  • Bedrock 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel, California
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 94 (5/31/2023)

    Spry and briary, this Zinfandel is fun to drink, with lively black cherry, licorice and dried sage flavors, which take on richness and cracked pepper accents toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2031.

  • Bedrock 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
    Vinous
    Rating: 92 (1/1/2024)

    The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma County) is elegant, polished and so pure. Precise, with gorgeous aromatic intensity, this rushes forth with sweet floral notes, red-toned fruit, mint, orange peel an spice. The 2022 is exquisite, delicious and very pretty. Dollops of Cabernet Franc and Malbec round out the blend.

  • Bedrock 2022 Heritage Red, Evangelho Vineyard, Contra Costa County
    Vinous
    Rating: 95 (1/1/2024)

    "Zinfandel plays the leading role in the 2022 Evangelho Vineyard Heritage Wine. Dark toned fruit, spice new leather, licorice and menthol effortlessly fill out the wine's layers, while time in the glass releases its inner sweetness and perfume. This is a fine edition of this cuvée"
  • Bedrock 2022 Heritage Red, Old Hill Ranch, Sonoma Valley
    Vinous
    Rating: 94 (1/1/2024)

    "The 2022 Old Hill Heritage Wine is classy and polished to the core. It shows notable textural richness and volume. The is dynamic and so expressive even in the early going. Dark-toned, fruit, new leather, cedar, mint and spice take shape. The 2022 is quite compelling."
  • Bedrock 2022 Zinfandel, Katushas' Vineyard, Lodi
    Vinous
    Rating: 93 (1/1/2024)

    "The 2022 Zinfandel Katusha's Vineyard is soft, understated and so inviting. Gentle contours wrap around a core of plum, spice, new leather, licorice and mocha. All the elements are so well balanced. Lodi is rarely this finessed. What a gorgeous wine."
  • Bedrock 2022 Old Vine Zinfandel, California
    Vinous
    Rating: 90 (1/1/2024)

    "The 2022 Zinfandel Old Vine is an absolute delight. Fresh, floral and fruity, the Old Vine is a terrific wine to drink now and over the next handful of years, while the fruit remains vibrant. Dollops of Carignan, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Cinsault and other varieties round out a blend crafted from a number of top sites in the Bedrock portfolio. The Old Vine Zinfandel is especially vibrant and refreshing this year. Best of all, it should be a terrific value."