INSIDER'S PICK: NV BEDROCK/THE WHOLE SHEBANG! CALIFORNIA RED WINE 17th CUVEE $18.99

Bedrock is without a doubt one of the most important and iconic producers in California, especially if you are a fan of the historic old vineyards within the state. Few if any can match the number of vineyards -both red and white- that have been identified, preserved, even saved from being ripped up in some cases, and the wines they make from these treasures are beyond reproach. In the grand scheme of things, their Heritage wines and old vine selections are relative bargains but would be hard to consider 'everyday' wines. Fortunately, they have that covered as well with their 'Shebang!' wine. This blend comes from parcels across California that may be new to the oversight of Bedrock and in transition, younger parcels or plantings, and just not quite ready to be featured on their own. It blends all the different varietals in the vineyards into the mix, just as their Heritage series wines, and see the same care and fermentations lot by lot with indigenous yeasts before blending. Consistently built with more than a casual nod towards a Cotes du Rhone type flavor profile, it shows lots of ripe red berry from the Zin up top, but not heady or sugary with nice dark pepper and spice tones present. Juicy at first on the palate, there is unexpected brightness and energy, a very Rhone-like savory tone from the mix of varietals in the field blend, decidedly non-jammy though the finish. On one of his trips out to Virginia, founding parter Chris Cottrell spoke of how their vineyards naturally reduced the potential alcohol in their wines as they were converted to organic practices, and even here in their 'basic' bottling it shows through with great balance and a dry feel to the finish. Everyday excellence here!

---