Contra Costa County, San Francisco Bay

Dirty & Rowdy

Evangelho Vineyard Mourvedre 2017

Juicy carbonic-y zero tannin tart cherry. Admittedly fresh still. — a day ago

Shay, Steve and 6 others liked this

Sandlands

Contra Costa County Carignane 2014

2014 drunk in 2024. Last bottle of this vintage. Still holds up and has more time in it. Lovely subtlety that does open up a bit with time.  — 2 months ago

Sandlands

Contra Costa County Red Table Wine 2018

Last bottle of vintage — 5 months ago

Ted, Neil and 1 other liked this

Once & Future Wines

Oakley Road Vineyard Mataro 2022

PNP way too young I know. But holy cow what a funky nose right out of the gate. All sorts of green and brown vegetation, very weedy, but tons of dark fruit underneath. So soft in the mouth — which surprised me since I was expecting it to be way too tannic. Deep savory flavors. Great balance. So much character packed and stuffed into this one. Will update as it gains air.

UPDATE: As this gains air, the initial vegetative, weedy notes are being replaced with very pure blackberry liqueur scents and whiffs of smoky sandalwood.

Several wineries take fruit from the old, sandy vineyards in Contra Costa. Some make wines over 15% and the jammy fruit overshadows the other complex earthy notes. Others try to pick artificially early to get dry cranberry juice cocktail. This wine nails the sweet spot. Balance, complexity, and drinkability.
— 6 months ago

Severn, Douglas and 8 others liked this

Cline Cellars

Ancient Vines Contra Costa County Zinfandel

Excellent. In Butcher’s Cut on MSC — 10 days ago

Rhys Vineyards

Home Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014

In a great spot. Tannins resolving and fruit still strong. With Jo-Jo and family. — 2 days ago

Sandlands

Contra Costa County Mataro 2022

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2022 Contra Costa County pours, a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with bright notes of fresh and tart, brambles and plums with licorice, flowers, and hot tarmac. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, enhanced with a touch of black pepper. The finish is medium+; grippy and zippy. Yet another very lovely Mataro from Sandlands. Drink now to enjoy the freshness of youth and through 2037. Only 5 barrels produced. — 3 months ago

Peter, Bob and 5 others liked this

Cline Cellars

Big Break Vineyard Zinfandel 2000

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2000 “Big Break” pours a cloudy garnet color with an opaque core and some rim variation; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. Certainly signs of sediment. On the nose, this was initially a little slow to wake up. After about 30min of air however, it was alive! Mostly desiccated with some ripe black, blue and red fruits with teriyaki, black pepper, leather, cocoa, and spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and decadent still. A lovely, mature Zinfandel that’s ready but needs a little patience to get its best as it’s certainly fading. Drink now with a 30min decant and through 2030. — 2 months ago

Brian, Bob and 4 others liked this

Cline Cellars

Contra Costa County Mourvedre Rosé 2022

Fresh fruit aromas, tart acidity and juicy fruits on the palate, like a tart but ripe red plum. Happy first full day of summer!! — 5 months ago

Laura liked this