Winemaker Notes
Explosive with exotic aromatics of pretty red fruits tinctured with cardamom, coriander and bay laurel while also being pure and generous of fruit, this is the most "complete" Beeson Bedrock has made. Every time they taste this wine, they are struck by how distinct it is from either Teldeschi Ranch on the other side of Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley vineyards to the south—- it is truly a singular site that that makes wine of breadth and beauty.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The purple-toned 2023 Zinfandel Beeson Ranch hails from the Dry Creek Valley, where it’s protected by redwoods, on quartz-rich soils, and is almost entirely Zinfandel, with a splash of Petite Sirah and Grenache. The nose is highly expressive and lifts with subtle notes of smoky earth, thin mints, fresh blackberries, and red-fruited accents. The palate is full and rounded, with a supple, lush texture and a plush, velvety tannin structure.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Zinfandel Beeson Ranch comes from dry-farmed vines planted in 1910, and the grapes were harvested on October ninth. It has slowly unfolding scents of black cherries, damp earth, mossy bark and resinous herbs. The full-bodied palate is bursting with layer after layer of dark, juicy fruit. It’s framed by approachable, rounded tannins and has a very long, perfumed finish.
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Vinous
The 2023 Zinfandel Beeson Ranch is a very pretty wine. Floral and spice overtones lead into a core of red cherry fruit, blood orange, cedar, mint and sweet pipe tobacco. There's a ton of pure Zinfandel character here. This Dry Creek Zinfandel is incredibly distinctive.
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Wine Spectator
Sleek and vivacious, this red serves up lively flavors of cherry and raspberry laced with briar patch and white pepper as this zips along the vibrant finish.
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James Suckling
A brawny, spicy, bold red that opens with blackberry and black pepper aromas, then ample ripe black cherries, blackberries and spearmint on the palate. Firmly structured, with tannins and good acidity that give a textural bite.
The winery’s objectives are:
To channel the fruit of ancient vines into powerful, elegant, and distinctly Californian wines.
To spread the gospel of Syrah in California by sourcing fruit from great terroirs throughout the North Coast.
To proclaim the greatness of Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon by sparing no expense on wines of uniqueness and personality.
To reclaim rose’ from the excesses of saignee and focus on precision, delicacy, aromatics, and food friendliness.
To make fascinating and quixotic white wines from unique sites and interesting varietals.
To dream big but keep production low!
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.