Improbably situated in the Sacramento River delta alongside Amtrak train tracks, a driving range, and a PG&E power plant, the Evangelho vineyard is one of the greatest vineyards in California. Planted in the 1880s to a mixture of Zinfandel, Mataro (Mourvedre), and Carignane, these ancient vines reside on their own roots in Delhi sand. The experience of walking through this vineyard is like combing the strangest beach one has ever seen. This extraordinary vineyard was tended by Frank Evangelho for many years, until his passing in 2018. Fortunately, the vineyard has passed into the hands of Morgan Twain-Peterson and Chris Cottrell, the proprietors of Bedrock Wine Co. in Sonoma, ensuring the continued survival and success of a true California icon.

Soft and supple on the palate, the Evangelho shows warm summer fruits and gentle spice. Being raised on the beach means that the wine soaks up all the California sunshine, but deep roots ensure a low pH and incredible balance. 

Winemaking:  1.58 tons were harvested on August 27th, 2016 in perfect condition. Al fruit was destemmed, but not crushed, into ¾-ton macrobins. No sulfur was added at crush. The fruit bided its time soaking on the skins for almost a week before fermentation started on the strength of the grapes’ indigenous yeasts. Management proceeded with daily punchdowns for the next 8 days. Sulfur was added during aging at two points—once after ML fermentation, and again just before bottling. The Evangelho spent 18 months in neutral French oak with three rackings and a light filtration before being bottled on March 21st, 2018.