Here’s the tenth installment of The Wine Chef’s December "Advent Calendar" wine series.

Bedrock Old Vine Zinfandel 2022

Bedrock Wine Co. is a fascinating winery with roots deep in California's viticultural history. Founded in Sonoma in 2007 by Morgan Twain-Peterson, the winery started humbly in a converted chicken coop and has since grown into a mission-driven operation dedicated to preserving California's oldest vineyards.

In 2013, Morgan welcomed Chris Cottrell as a partner, expanding the winery's vision and capabilities. The duo is passionate about saving and celebrating historic vineyards, including the legendary Bedrock Vineyard, originally planted in 1854 by Generals William Sherman and Joe Hooker.

Last summer, my daughter and I spent time with Chris among the stunning 100-year-old vines. It was a memorable experience—surrounded by vines that have produced fruit for generations. We tasted a whole lineup of wines, including the Bedrock Old Vine Zinfandel 2022, a blend of 85% Zinfandel with small amounts of other historic varieties, including Carignan and Cinsault. This wine is not your typical Zinfandel jammy fruit bomb; it’s complex and layered, perfect for those who appreciate a full-bodied California red that offers bold fruit yet is elegantly balanced.

It was such a joy to share this experience with my daughter, surrounded by vines that have produced exceptional fruit for generations.

Find the wine for about $27 on wine-searcher.com.