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. 2017 was a year of extremes (both of rain and heat), but the deep roots of the Evangelho vines paid little mind, keeping the freshness and purity that I love about this site.

Winemaking:  1.1 tons of Carignane were harvested on August 29th, 2017 in excellent condition. As I often do with Carignane, the grapes were sorted and destemmed, but not crushed. Fermentation began spontaneously and proceeded with twice-daily punchdowns before the wine was barreled down. The Evangelho spent 24 months in neutral French oak with two rackings and was bottled without filtration on October 23rd, 2019.