Winemaker Notes
Bruce and Andrea moved to the Russian River Valley in the late 1990s, and Bruce transitioned his sales and marketing background into a successful distribution business representing small independent wineries in Sonoma County. This would lead to a passion for and knowledge of winemaking that would inspire the creation of his own wine — Wine Guerrilla. Over the course of a decade, he built the brand and won accolades for his line-up of stellar single vineyard zinfandels.
Today, Bruce brings this history and experience to his most promising venture yet. Bruce Patch Wines sources the best grapes from throughout Sonoma County, including many vineyards like Clopton, Harris-Kratka and Carreras Ranch with whom Bruce has long relationships and a history of producing acclaimed wines. In addition to his trademark lush, full zinfandels, Bruce is also producing red blends and exquisite expressions of unique grapes like primitivo and Malbec.
As Elvis Presley said, “If you like it, if you feel it, you can't help but move to it.”
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.
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.