Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list.
The August Zinfandel of the Month is the 2012 Under The Wire Sparkling Zinfandel.
Under The Wire is a collaboration between Chris Cottrell and Morgan Twain Peterson and was founded just a few years ago. Inspired in part by the grower Champagne movement the project aims to make California Sparkling wines from a particular vineyard and vintage. Current vineyards include Bedrock, Brosseau, Hirsch and Alder Springs.
The 2012 Sparkling Zinfandel is made from fruit sourced from Bedrock Vineyard. Formerly known as Madrone Ranch, Bedrock Vineyard was first planted in 1854. Senator George Hearst purchased the property in 1888 and planted most of the vines that exist to this day.
Pink to light salmon in color. 12% ABV. Just a few bubbles as the wine sits in the glass. Light red fruits, bread dough and minerals on the nose. Crisp and refreshing on the palate. Flavors of strawberry, cranberry, citrus and minerals. Delicious wine that is a pleasure to drink. My first sparkling Zinfandel so I would just be guessing as to how this wine will age. Drink over the next year or so unless you have enough inventory to sample periodically.
My rating: 91 points.
Under The Wire released their second set of wines this past Spring. I’d encourage you to sign up for the mailing list as I suspect the wines will be hard to come by in the upcoming years. The Bedrock Vineyard Sparkling Zinfandel was $50 direct from the winery.
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