2018 Bodega Rancho Zinfandel Craighead Vineyard Sonoma Coast 750 ml

In many ways, Craighead Vineyard is a mystery. It’s unclear who planted the original vines in the late 1800s. It’s unclear exactly how old the current Zinfandel vines are, although they’re reputed to be some of the oldest in Sonoma County. Many people aren’t even aware that this tiny, two-acre block of ancient vines exists. 

But one thing is for certain: Its Zinfandel is exquisite. 

The 2018 Bodega Rancho Craighead Vineyard Zinfandel puts the beauty of those vines on full display in its effusive aromatics, gentle tannins, and lush, generous notes of dark fruit. Craighead Vineyard’s ancient vines eke out a minuscule amount of wine every year—but as this Zinfandel shows, every drop is bursting with exuberant fruit and nuance. 

Getting the most out of terroir like that takes a deft hand, and Bodega Rancho founder Derek Beitler’s got two of em. He has royal Napa Valley blood in his veins—his uncle is Chuck Wagner of Caymus, he grew up working in the Caymus cellars—and he’s channeled that experience into his wines at Bodega Rancho. In addition to making stellar Napa Valley Cabernets, he has gravitated toward standout Sonoma vineyards to produce other red varieties, like Zinfandel and Syrah.

Derek is one of the few winemakers who’ve had the honor of crafting wine from Craighead Vineyard. Deep in the Russian River Valley, the site resides on a hillside of chalky and sandy soils, where Zinfandel ripens slowly in the region’s cool, foggy climate. It makes for wine with a balance of bold, plush fruit and a gentle undercurrent of acidity. 

The Bodega Rancho Zin showcases that balance of brawn and elegance. With nearly six years behind it already, it’s a rich and layered wine, and it will only continue to develop complexity for the next several years.