2019 was a great year at our little empire of sand in the counter coast. Well-balanced crops on these 1890s planted own-rooted vines lead to even ripening and a slightly later than normal harvest in this typically early area. What this means is full phenolic maturity at lower than normal sugars, with Carignan and Mataro being picked as low as 22.5 brix and turning black with color in the fermenter. As always, the 2019 is a blend of the three dominant field-blended varieties at the vineyard - Zinfandel, Mataro, and Carignan - though it also contains bits and bobs of Alicante Bouschet, Grand Noir, Mission, Palomino and even a single, ancient Clairette Blanche vine (definitely had to go to the DNA to ID that one!). Mataro is particularly expressive this year, and its brawny yet brainy presence makes itself felt behind the always lusciously luculent Zinfandel and Carignan. One of the best wines of the year. | Morgan Twain Peterson for Bedrock Wine Co.