| Our approach
to winemakeing is with respect. We use natural, sustainable
methods of cover cropping to replace nitrogen in the soil,
and return all our composted grape seeds, skins and stems
to the vineyard for additional nutrition.
Our old Zinfandel vineyard is head pruned and dry farmed.
This is an ancient Italian method of farming that does not
supplement the vines with water or nutrients from irrigation.
This stressful and labor-intensive method of vineyard management
produces grapes of great varietal intensity and flavor.
We often walk the vineyard in the extreme heat of the Dry
Creek summer and proclaim to them, "You are great and mighty
vines! Water is for wimps!!"
Current Releases
2003 Yoakim Bridge Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
We refer to this particular vintage as our “miracle” wine. Late season rains with its threat of mildew kept David busy monitoring the fruit for an optimal harvest. On September 28 the sugars began to spike due to an enormous heat wave. We have no employees, and everyone in the valley scrambled at once to get their fruit picked. We succeeded in finding pickers, but were unable to find any help for David. The temperature on the pad was a scorching 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Sixteen tons of fruit sat lined up in half ton picking bins waiting to be manually pitched into the crushed/destemer. David picked up his pitchfork, and began. Sixteen grueling hours later he finished. The back label is my tribute to the passion and determination of this incredible winemaker. The wine speaks for itself. Savor it!$34.00 per bottle, $367.20 per case or $ 204.00 for a six pack plus tax and shipping. Minimum 2 bottle order for mail shipments.
Two Pack $68.00 |
Six Pack $204.00 |
Case
$367.20
|
2004 Yoakim Bridge Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
This vintage is unique in that it is the ONLY time David has had to deal with a “stuck” fermentation. This resulted in an additional three weeks of work to restart the process. Virginia teases him about his hair turning from gray to white during that time! David’s stubbornness and “sticking to it” paid off in spades. The alcohol was held at a respectable 14.6% with a Ph of 3.61. Blended with 2% Petite Syrah and 8% Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon it exhibits Zinfandel at it’s best. Intensely rich, loaded with deep layers of black berry fruit. We find it Fantastic with food.
$34.00 per bottle, $367.20 per case or $204.00 for a six pack plus tax and shipping. Minimum 2 bottle order for mail shipments.
Two Pack
$68.00
|
Six Pack
$204.00
|
Case
$367.20
|
2005 Yoakim Bridge Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
Our old vines are “dry farmed”, meaning they receive no irrigation, and yet, because the vineyard is located on the rich soil of the Valley floor, they are extremely prolific. To keep flavors intense we choose to drop fruit three times during the growing season, and it paid off. The remaining fruit proved to be excellent. David is very pleased with the rich, dark raspberry scented vintage. The alcohol is a bit higher than our former wines at 15%, which adds a bit of black pepper and a tremendous mouth feel and finish. We are proudly releasing it to our wine club, urging them to drink two and lay two down, as it will age beautifully
$36.00 per bottle, $389.00 per case or $216.00 for a six pack plus tax and shipping. Minimum 2 bottle order for mail shipments.
Two Pack
$72.00
|
Six Pack
$216.00
|
Case
$388.80
|
2003 Yoakim Bridge Dry Creek Valley Syrah
Purchased by the ROW, our third vintage of Dry Creek Palindrome Vineyard Syrah surpassed even OUR expectations! The vines increasing age added substantially to its intense, varietal character. Rich, dark berry fruit explodes with layers of smoke, smooth vanilla, leather and a hint of juniper berry. Very limited production.
$34.00 per bottle, $367.00 per case or $204.00 for a six pack plus tax and shipping. Minimum 2 bottle order for mail shipments.
Two Pack
$68.00
|
Six Pack
$204.00
|
Case
$367.00
|
Yoakim Bridge 2005 Dry Creek Valley Merlot: Gallaway Vineyard
Sourced from Brian Gallaways' West Dry Creek vineyard, the same as our renowned Merlot from 1999. This cherry scented fruit is more tropical and less herbal, or Cabernet like, than the 1999, probably because at David's suggestion Brian removed some of the surrounding forest to increase the amount of total sunlight. It is unlike any Merlot that we have ever tasted and is more reminiscent of a fine Pinot Noir. It should age extremely well, but is delicious today with salmon, sea bass, shellfish, and roast duck. We dare the character Miles from the movie Sideways to try this wine!!
$36.00 per bottle, $388.80 per case or $216.00 for a six pack plus tax and shipping. Minimum 2 bottle order for mail shipments.
Two Pack
$72.00
|
Six Pack
$216.00
|
Case
$388.80
|
Yoakim Bridge 2005 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon: Stromberg Vineyard
We have been blending the grapes from this western bench vineyard into our Zinfandel for quite a few years, being pleased with the structure and complexity that it imparts to our fruit forward estate wine. In 2004, we made our first 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stromberg vineyard, sent a bottle to our Gold Vine Club as a part of their October selection, and watched it sell out before ever being offered to the public!
Now that the 2006 Cabernet is safely aging in the barrels, we have decided to release the 2005 it to the public. Watching tasters react to this amazing wine is a delight. Everyone remarks about this young wines'
tremendous fruit which is already asserting itself as a classic Cabernet.
The tannins are long and silky, giving the perfect foundation to the overtures of chocolate, vanilla, clove and a sprinkle of white pepper.
Cellar aging will encourage the earthier flavors of smoke,aged leather and old roses to emerge, a combination well worth waiting for! David waited ten years to make his first Cabernet, giving the verital the respect it deserves. The grapes and barrels used were expensive, the production small and the results? A treasure!
$52.00 per bottle, $561.60 per case or $312.00 for a six pack plus tax and shipping. Minimum 2 bottle order for mail shipments.
Two Pack
$104.00
|
Six Pack
$312.00
|
Case
$561.60
|
Yoakim Bridge Zinfandel Sauce
This is Virginia’s original recipe featuring a blend of our estate Zinfandel wine, raspberries and other secret ingredients. It is an excellent complement to any grilled fare, especially ribs, chicken, salmon and game. Also try it on meatballs for a simple and delicious appetizer (that many of you may have sampled on your last visit!) It contains a trace of chocolate for it’s lingering finish. Sold only through the winery, it makes a lovely gift for friends, family and business associates.
$13.95 a pint, $167.40 for case of 12 or $83.70 for a six-pack. Plus shipping. Minimum six jar order for mail shipments.
RESERVE WINES FOR CLUB MEMBERS ONLY
Join
the Yoakim Bridge Gold Vine Club while it is still available!
We never set out to make a “RESERVE” wine. We consider all of our handcrafted wines of RESERVE quality. When we have 50 cases of a vintage it becomes a RESERVE. We no longer pour it in the tasting room (with the exception of events, and then for club members only) and it becomes available for purchase ONLY to club members. It is no longer discountable. We waited ten years to make our first Cabernet Sauvignon. It was released to our club members, and almost immediately sold out. The price was $48.00 and was 100% Dry Creek fruit. It was also our first vineyard designation. We made a 2005 Cabernet from the same Stromberg vineyard. It is wonderful, and once again, will be released to our Gold Club members FIRST. If you are NOT a member but are interested in it, please call the winery for availability. This year, we are producing our first Napa Valley Cabernet that we will age in French oak. It should be released in 2010…get thirsty!
Yoakim Bridge Three Valley Cuvee NV
This is the pride of three valleys. Twelve individual vineyards were harvested for fruit displaying classical varital characteristics: Cabernet Franc from the Russian River Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley and Merlot from our own Dry Creek Valley. From a winemakers standpoint the logistics of making this particular Bordeaux style blend was challenging. Each lot of fruit had to be individually harvested, sorted, crushed, fermented and pressed. Each barrel over the next twenty months was held separately and topped with its own wine, no small feat for one of Sonoma County’s smallest wineries. Virginia often says that it is very good with everything that is very bad for you! Think buttery sauces, pate and foie gras. You get the picture. It is wonderfully balanced and elegant. Will lay down beautifully.
$46.00 per bottle, $552.00 per case or $276.00 a six pack. Two bottle minimum order for mail shipments.
1999 Yoakim Bridge Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
Blended with a small percent of Dry Creek Valley mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon our estate dry farmed, old vine Zinfandel ensured another Yoakim Bridge classic. Exquisitely balanced with layers of dark cherry, ripe plums, raspberry and chocolate and enhanced with notes of black pepper and vanilla. It is well structured, polished and intense. This silky wine was filtered in anticipation of great aging capabilities guaranteeing years of enjoyment. THE WINE ENTHUSIAST gave this beauty a rating of 90.
$40.00 per bottle. Not discountable. Two bottle minimum for mail shipments.
2000 Yoakim Bridge Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
Earthy, full bodied and intensely rich wine loaded with deep layers of black fruit. A lengthy finish with lingering notes of spice, black pepper and soft tannins add to the balanced complexity of this award winning wine. The 2000 is one of only five of 650 zinfandels competing at the San Francisco Chronicle North Coast Wine competition to capture a Gold Medal. We no longer enter competitions as this wine set the standards that we employ to this day.
$40.00 per bottle plus shipping and tax, 6-bottle limit as supplies last. Not discountable Two-bottle minimum for mail shipments.
Sold out! 2001 Dry Creek Valley Syrah
This beautiful wine was our first Syrah. Purchased by the ROW from the Palindrome vineyard, it set the standard that David has adhered to in following vintages. This wine was given a rating of 91 by The Wine Enthusiast, one of their highest ratings. You will find it a bit softer than the 2002, aging wonderfully. We enjoy it with a leg of lamb, anything a little wild: pheasant, boar, hearty beef stews. Virginia was amazed that it paired so well with her cheese and onion enchiladas, as well as her hearty lamb vindaloo. This wine embraces deep, rich flavors. We love it!
$40.00 per bottle plus shipping and tax, 6 bottle limit as supplies last. Not discountable. Two bottle limit for mail shipments.
2002 Yoakim Bridge Dry Creek Valley Syrah
This beauty was recently mentioned in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL as a wine not to be missed by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher, in their column, On the Wine Trail. The WINE ENTHUSIAST magazine agreed, giving it a rating of 91. As you probably know, we do not send our wines for review. Both publications purchased the wine. How sweet it is! As a chef, Virginia jokes about sending this bold wine out to “kill it’s own food and bring it back for dinner”. We love its smoky, full-bodied dark berry fruit. It pairs beautifully with lamb, venison and dark chili dishes. Not to mention a big thick steak.
$40.00 per bottle, $432.00 per case or $390.00 per six pack plus tax and shipping. Minimum 2 bottle order for mail shipments.
2002 Yoakim Bridge Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
In May of 2002, approximately 40% of our estate Zinfandel we lost to high winds and driving rain that shattered our fragile, young blossoms. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Mother Natures’ severe pruning produced an extremely intense, complex and fruity wine. The nose is that of dark berry fruit, black pepper and cloves. The overlays of lightly toasted oak, hints of chocolate and smoke promise to live up to your heartiest and most celebratory culinary fare. SPECTACULAR! We do not regularly pour this beauty in the tasting room due to the small amount that we have on hand. You would be wise to secure this wine while it is still available to our most discriminating customers.
$40.00 per bottle, $432.00 per case or $390.00 per six pack plus tax and shipping.
Minimum 2 bottle order for mail shipments.
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