Bruce Patch cut his teeth in the music industry — having once met the Beatles and helped to discover the famous 80’s band, The Cars. Bruce moved to the Russian River Valley in the late 1990’s, and transitioned his sales and marketing background into a successful distribution business representing small independent wineries in Sonoma County. Bruce Patch Wines sources grapes from throughout Sonoma County, including many notable vineyards like Clopton, Harris-Kratka and Carreras.
The winery recently sent me their new releases to sample.
2012 Bruce Patch Wines The Red Dress Primitivo – 100% Primitivo from the Rose Vineyard in Kenwood. Purple in color. 16.3% ABV. Seductive nose of black fruits, pepper and flowers. Plush and jammy on the palate with nice acidity. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry and pepper. Healthy tannins on a long, spicy finish. Fun wine! Drink over the next 2-4 years. $35 at the winery. My rating: 90 points.
2014 Bruce Patch Wines Zinfandel Harris Kratka Vineyard – Bright crimson in color. 15.4% ABV. Brooding nose of dark fruits, earth and white pepper. Big and plush on the palate with medium acidity. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry and dark cocoa. The finish is long and sweet with sneaky tannins. Well made Zinfandel from a super vineyard. Drink over the next 3-5 years. $35 at the winery. My rating: 91 points.
2013 Bruce Patch Wines Zinfandel Carreras Ranch Vineyard – A field blend of Zinfandel, Carignane, Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouchet from vines planted in 1906. Bright red in color. 14.1% ABV. Red fruits, earth and iron on the nose. Big and full bodied with medium acidity. Raspberry compote, boysenberry and minerals on the palate. The finish is long and supple with trademark, dusty Dry Creek tannins. Drink over the next 3-5 years. $40 at the winery. My rating: 92 points.
2013 Equavinity Zinfandel Landry Vineyard – A collaboration between Bruce Patch Wines and Russian River Vineyards. Crimson in color. 15.1% ABV. Pretty nose of juicy red fruits, white pepper and red licorice. Medium body with bright acidity. Raspberry, strawberry and a hint of citrus on the palate. The finish is long and sweet. Delicious Zinfandel. Drink over the next 2-4 years. $30 at the winery. My rating: 91 points.
Bruce Patch Wines is a winery that I was unfamiliar with. This set of samples has placed the winery on my radar. Worth your attention!
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