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 Coffaro, Harris-Kratka and Carreras.
The winery recently sent me their new releases to sample.
2015 Bruce Patch Zinfandel McClone Vineyard – Crimson in color. 15.9% ABV. 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah. McClone Vineyard is near Placerville in the El Dorado AVA. Subtle nose of red and black fruits, flowers, earth and pepper. Medium body with medium acidity. Well balanced. Tart cherry, iron and blood orange on the palate. Good length on the finish. Best over the next 2-3 years. $35 at the winery and retail. My rating: 90 points.
2016 Bruce Patch Zinfandel Harris Kratka Vineyard – Crimson in color. 15.5% ABV. 85% Zinfandel, 10 Carignane and 5% Petite Sirah. Harris Kratka Vineyard is in the Chalk Hill AVA near Healdsburg. Perfumed nose of brambly red fruits, licorice, flowers and pepper. Medium to full bodied with acidity in spades. Fresh, bright and silky. Cherries, raspberry compote, salmonberry and earth on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. The best Zinfandel I have had from Bruce Patch. Drink over the next 2-4 years. $35 at the winery and retail. My rating: 94 points.
Bruce Patch is honing his craft, making wines from up and coming vineyards and selling them at fair prices. Proceed accordingly.