Mr Kevin Romick posted this photograph of Oakley’s elusive “Spinelli Vineyard” on Facebook.
Most of the city’s old vineyards have great stories behind them. To butcher Australian journalist Max Allen’s words:
“Old vineyards are not great because they are old; they are old because they are great.”
The “Spinelli Vineyard” is one of the more enigmatic sites in Contra Costa. Mr Romick’s Facebook post states that Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Carignan were just harvested from the vineyard for Matt Cline’s winery.
Romick reported on his blog in 2012: “The 5 acres…are what’s left of the 18 acres that have been farmed since 1955. Located along Main Street behind Raley’s.” I presume that the Spinelli family took ownership of the site in 1955, based on details from an article below, though it was planted +70 years earlier.
Three Wine Company, operated by Matt & Cline, offers a vineyard-designated Mataro/Mourvèdre from the “Spinelli Vineyard”.
According to Three Wine Company’s website:
"…Much of the original California acreage was lost due to urbanization, but a few small ancient plantings such as the ‘Spinelli Vineyard’ in Oakley remain today.
“Established over 127 years prior to this vintage, the ‘Spinelli Vineyard’ is still being dry-farmed and is growing on its own roots.”
from the data sheet for Three Wine Co. 2015 “Spinelli Vineyard” Mataro:
“The ‘Spinelli Vineyard’ has extremely sandy-loam soil, Delhi Sandy Loam, resulting in low vigor and extremely low yields.”
Co-CoFermented Blog
“Spinelli Doctor”
September 5, 2010
“…Assuming the history to be accurate, the current property was planted over 100 years ago by Portuguese settlers named Azevedo. In 1955, a Gustavo Spinelli and his family began managing the vineyard for the Azevedos, purchasing the 18-acre property outright in 1970. Apparently a mere 5 acres of vines remain, and Matt now leases vineyard acreage at ‘Spinelli’ from a corporate owner.”
"…Trinitas Cellars – 2005 Zinfandel, ‘Spinelli Vineyard’
“Winemaker Matt Cline’s Notes: The vineyard source for these Zinfandel grapes was planted in 1909 by Portuguese settlers John and Marie Azevedo. In 1955, Gustavo Spinelli along with wife Mary and two sons Frank and Angelo began to manage the vineyard for the Azevedo family. They purchased the 18 acre parcel in 1970. Sadly, only five acres remain. Fifty-two years of family vineyard management made this wine the gem of our 2005 vintage…”.
Alter
Trademarks:
“G. Spinelli” (Juice Grapes)
The Foundation Plant Services webpage’s Carignane Selections 12, 12.1, and (possibly) 13 were submitted by Mr Matt Cline from the “Spinelli Vineyard”. In 2014, Cinsault Selections 5.0 and 5.1 from the “Spinelli Vyd” (planted in 1885) were submitted to FPS as well. “Spinelli” Mourvèdre cuttings also were sent to UC Davis for evaluation and treatment.
On December 13, 2016, a FPS news article by Nancy Sweet announced that treated samples from the “Spinelli” and “Emerson” properties were available to growers:
"…Commercial grapevine plantings in the ‘Spinelli Vineyard’ and ‘Emerson Ranch Vineyard’ in Oakley, Contra Costa County, date from the early days of the California grape industry. Those vineyard properties were purchased by the state for wetlands restoration in the early 2000’s.
“Matt Cline of Cline Vineyards and MAC Wines rescued clonal material reportedly planted in those old vineyards in the 1880’s and donated it to the FPS public collection in 2014. Five selections completed testing and were released in 2016: Carignane 12, Carignane 14, Carignane 15, Cinsaut 05, and Mourvèdre 08.”
Matt Cline’s submissions from the “Emerson/Lucchesi/Jose Vineyard” were from an old-vine site along the banks of the Delta. The vineyard was preserved after a prolonged debate concerning the establishment of the Dutch Slough Tidal Restoration Preserve.
Mr Ken Spinelli entered a public comment during the City of Oakley’s deliberations on the matter. He, along with many others, desired that the vines be allowed to exist undisturbed within the preserve.
East County Today
“Oakley Takes First Step Towards Preserving Historic Vineyard”
by Michael Burkholder
January 29, 2014
"…Frank Spinelli supported the effort to preserve the vineyard and shared his family experience working farms in Oakley.
“‘I completely support this effort to save this 14-acres of ancient vines. My family has farmed many vineyards in Oakley since the mid-1950s before they were concerned ancient,’ said Spinelli. ‘They should be preserved at all costs. I hope that saving this ancient vineyard will be the beginning of saving all the vineyards in Oakley. Wouldn’t it be great for future generations to say we have preserved 200-year-old vineyards?’…".
I will try to confirm the location of the “Spinelli Vineyard”, as well as post a couple of extra harvest photos that Mr Romick took of the 2018 Oakley harvest.
Forgive my rambling. 
*** EDIT ***
If one compares the Google Maps streetview for 5332 Live Oak Ave with the CoCo-Fermented Blog’s image of the “Spinelli Vineyard”, they appear to depict the same location.
The uprooted Mataro vineyard - immediately West of the Raley’s shop - may have been a part of the same planting in years past. A residential complex is being built there at this time.
The vineyard land at 5332 Live Oak Ave is recorded by the County Assessor’s Office. According to the CCMap and Assessor’s websites, ownership is listed as 3520 Briarwood Court, Antioch.
A person named Larry Mackay is registered to this address; the same Antioch street location was identified as the owner’s address for the “Oakley Road Vineyard” on Neroly Rd. This is confusing, since I understood the “Oakley Rd Vyd” to be a City of Oakley property.It is possible that the 5 acre Mataro planting -uprooted and turned into a residential development - was the “Spinelli Vyd”, if the true site was the patch of scattered vines formerly East of the Raley’s store and not 5332 Live Oak Ave.
County of Contra Costa agriculture permittee rosters for 2006, 2017, and 2018 state that Frank Spinelli owned a wine grape-growing property at the SW* corner of Hwy 4 (Main St) and Live Oak Ave in Oakley. The “Mazzoni” component of the “Mazzoni-Live Oak Vyd” is farther South down Live Oak Ave on the West (left) side of the street, just to the North of the intersection with Neroly Rd.
Find a Grave website:
Antone Azevedo (1885 - 1935) was married to Margaret Olieviero Azevedo (1894 - 1985).
Their son was Eugene “Gene” Azevedo (1914 - 1962), who married Violet Louise (Grangnelli) Azevedo (1918 - 2004).
Henry and Mayme Gimbel Family website:
Genealogical Info & Census Records
Place: Antioch, Contra Costa County, CA
Manuel Gregorio Azevedo (1877 - 1965) & Relatives
Below is an older YouTube video that I think takes place in the “Spinelli Vineyard”.
The apartment complex in the Co-CoFermented photo (previous thread post) appears to be viewable to the right of Mr Matt Cline as the camera pans across the site.
Moore Brothers Wine YouTube video
“Matt Cline of Three Wine Company”
February 19, 2013
Three Wine Company website:
These two videos from the Rosenblum Cellars YouTube channel showcase a couple of prominent viticultural sites in Contra Costa County, California:
“Planchon Vineyard”
“Carla’s Vineyard”
I have already written a few words on both vineyards. Antioch’s “Carla’s Vineyard” - sadly - is pretty much gone at this point in time, the result of commercial development. The “Planchon Vineyard”, located in Oakley, is still producing fruit for several wineries.
Fred and Nancy Cline own several vineyards in eastern Contra Costa County in addition to their eponymous winery. Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker for Cline Cellars, speaks to the Daily Chronicle about the importance of preserving these old vineyards for the future.
Daily Chronicle
“Uncorked: Finding Ancient Vines in the Sands of Oakley”
by James Nokes - news@daily-chronicle.com
September 14, 2018
"A visit to Oakley Vineyard* has Charlie Tsegeletos prepared for a workout.
"For thousands of years, deposits from the Sacramento and San Joaquin River Delta have essentially turned the soil into sand dunes. The Cline Family Cellars winemaker doesn’t walk through the vineyards, he trudges through them.
"…‘What amazes me about Oakley is it is just a whole different world,’ Tsegeletos said. ‘It only gets about 10 inches of rain per year. The rivers have deposited what looks like 30 inches of soil there over the years. It started in the early 1900’s and it’s immune from phylloxera because it can’t walk through the sand. So the vines are still on their original rootstock. The fruit has developed an amazing concentration. It’s a wine that we don’t have to do a lot to. We don’t do any wine fining. We farm the vineyard like they would have 100 years ago.’
“…Because Cline and other wineries have supported vineyards like Oakley, the temptation to modernize has been avoided.
“‘Some people think we should pull up the vineyards, put some wire out there for vines to grow on and increase the yields to turn a better profit,’ Tsegeletos said. ‘But these are unique wines that really over deliver. The extra work you have to do to harvest them is worth it.’…”
CoCo Wine Country is a wine tasting bar located in Brentwood, CA. Customers can try various local producers’ bottlings in a single setting to get a comprehensive experience of the regional expressions of the grapes grown throughout the San Francisco Bay AVA.
CoCo Wine Country
(925) 634-9463
633 First Street
Brentwood CA 94513
Summer Hours:
Wed-Thurs: 4-8pm
Friday: 4-11pm
Saturday: Noon-11pm
(Sun-Tues: closed)
Desire Lines Wines is a fairly new project involving Cody (employed at Bedrock Wine Company) & Emily Rasmussen. The upcoming Fall 2018 release includes a 2017 “Evangelho Vineyard” Red Wine.
_"We are so excited to announce the date for our second Desire Lines wine release, which will open the morning of Tuesday, October 2nd. At that time, you will receive an email with a link to the wines available for purchase. While the wines will be allocated, we’re not able to guarantee the allocations given the small quantities available. All wines will be available on a first come, first served basis until the release closes at the end of the day on Sunday, October 7th.
“…The ‘Evangelho’ Red Wine, a blend of 95% Carignan and 5% Mourvèdre, is vibrant and juicy, inspired by our love for the great Cru Beaujolais of France (for us, that’s Clos de la Roilette’s Cuvée Tardive and the old-vine single parcels of Château Thivin).”_
Desire Lines Wines website:
"VINEYARDS:
"The ‘Small Berry Vineyard’ is a small, 9-acre block that has consistently produced one of our most complex and concentrated Mourvèdre’s. Always a major component of our previous ‘Reserve’ Mourvèdre bottlings, this vineyard-designated wine exemplifies the unique characters of the variety while showcasing the elegant flavors that are contributed by the phylloxera-resistant sandy soils, described as our singular Oakley terrior.
“The vines in this block are 100-plus-years-old and were originally planted on their own roots, which make this one of California’s most historic vineyards. Cline Cellars has chosen to dry-farm these ancient, head-pruned vines in the ‘Small Berry Vineyard’, continuing a practice employed by the Italian and Portuguese immigrants that planted this vineyard well before the turn of the century.”
http://www.sonic.net/~epcline/oldsite/mv99sb.htm
Eucalyptus trees are found along the fringe of this ancient vineyard near the waterside. Eucalyptus groves historically have served as windbreaks. These fast-growing trees aid in preventing erosion, and have been used to drain swamps, their insecticidal oils stemming malaria-spreading mosquito populations (see Wikipedia article).
For years, the close proximity of Eucalyptus trees to the “Big Break Vineyard” has led wine lovers to speculate that the gum trees’ terpenes contribute mint notes in the wines.
This is nothing new. Heitz Cellars’ “Martha’s Vineyard” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and numerous Australian red wines have been subject to the same cause-and-effect theories.
Per Jim Wilkerson’s Vine Geek October 19, 2009, review of Cline Cellars’ 2005 “Small Berry” Mourvèdre, ETS Labs offers tests for Eucalyptol in wine samples:
"Eucalyptol:
› Sample Type: Grape Juice
› Technique: GC-MS
› Turnaround: 2 Working Days
“Description: Eucalyptol, or 1,8-cineole, is a powerful aroma compound found in some grapes, often from vineyards close to eucalyptus trees. While relatively low concentrations can contribute agreeable aromas, eucalyptol can be considered a wine fault at higher concentrations.”
Here is Mr Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker at Cline Cellars, on the influence of Eucalyptus tree leaves (aka, “MOG”) on the wines from Contra Costa’s “Big Break Vineyard”:
Cline Cellars YouTube video
“The Mystery of Mint”
May 14, 2015
Cline Cellars website:
Links:
Wine Berserkers
“Contra Costa Wine Heritage”
“Cline Cellars ‘Small Berry’ Mourvedre”
August 15, 2016
https://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=2080786#p2080786
ETS Labs
“Flavor and Aroma: Eucalyptol”
https://www.etslabs.com/analyses/JEUC
ETS Labs
“Flavor and Aroma: Controlling Eucalyptus Flavor in Wine”
https://www.etslabs.com/library/14
Google Books
Handbook of Enology, Volume 2: The Chemistry of Wine Stabilization and Treatments
by Pascal Ribéreau-Gayon, Yves Glories, Alain Maujean, Denis Dubourdieu
Published by John Wiley & Sons (2021)
“Eucalyptol in Mourvedre”
Wikipedia
“Eucalyptol”
Wikipedia
“Eucalyptus”
Old Cline Cellars website
“Wines”
http://www.sonic.net/~epcline/oldsite/wines.htm
I have been slowly composing a post for this thread about the “California” appelated blends that include Contra Costa old-vine fruit. The basic premise is questioning whether this helps/hurts the preservation of Eastern Contra Costa’s vineyards.
Also, I am trying to reach out to the other growers and producers outside of the Antioch/Oakley region in Contra Costa County.
In the meantime, I think it’s important to identify who is currently working with old vineyard fruit and putting it on their labels. In order to help increase consumer awareness of the high-quality, at-risk vineyards of Contra Costa, I believe that more bottles of delicious wine must clearly state the source of the grapes on the front label.
“2016 ‘Evangelho Vineyard’ Carignan: ‘This Carignan is really something quite special as it is sourced from old bush vines that date back to the 1880’s. Perfect for warmer climes, with late ripening bunches, a hint of what’s to come starts with a deep ruby color in your glass. On the nose, dark red fruit notes with hints of cedar and cured meat lift from the glass. With the first sip, distinct flavors of red plum and Bing cherry deliver bright fresh flavors supported by perfectly balanced acidity. The oak-aging offers hints of cinnamon and baking spice that accent the wine’s smooth texture and lead to a long, lingering finish.’”
• Bedrock Wine Company:
https://bedrockwineco.com
"2016 ‘Evangelho Heritage Red’: I still cannot believe that we somehow own this unbelievable unicorn of a vineyard. Perched on banks of deep sand on the windy edge of the Sacramento River Delta this vineyard of own-rooted, 120-year-old vines produces vibrant and personality-filled wines unlike anything else we make.
“Though all the blocks are field-blends and co-fermented, I would estimate this wine is about 60% Zinfandel and 35% Mataro, with the remainder being Carignane, Palomino and a few other odds and ends. This features racy and vibrant fruit that is pleasantly funkified but the presence of the savory Mataro. Raised predominately in large foudre, this wine probably resembles a wine from the Southern Rhone as much as a ‘Zinfandel’ from California. As always, the incredibly suave tannins from the sandy soils at the ranch make for a high-tone and elegant red wine.”
• Cruse Wine Company:
“2017 ‘Evangelho Vineyard’ Carignan - Nearly opaque, purple robe. Bubble gum and cinnamon on the nose, with the distinct concentration of old vine Contra Costa county. Earthy and saline while still fruity on the palate and bizarrely appetizing ham and strawberry jam sandwich.”
• Dashe Cellars:
"2016 ‘Les Enfants Terribles’ Old Vine Carignane, ‘Evangelho Vineyard’:
"History: We absolutely love these old, gnarled vines planted on their own roots, in an unlikely spot in Antioch, California. Planted in 1890 and growing in deep sandy soil—essentially a vineyard on sand dunes—in the Sacramento River Delta, these are some of the most beautiful, old Carignane vines we’ve ever seen.
"Since the vineyard is dry-farmed and the soil is essentially pure sand, the roots extend down more than 40 feet to the water table below in some areas. The grapes produce a dark, vibrant wine that shows off how complex a wine of this varietal can be.
"Production:This is always the earliest vineyard we harvest each year, and 2016 year was no exception: we harvested on August 18th.
"We hand-sorted the grapes on a conveyor belt on the way to the destemmer to eliminate any imperfect fruit. The crushed grapes were then fermented using only the natural yeast population on the surface of the grapes (rather than commercial dried yeasts) to conduct the fermentation.
“At dryness, the wine was gently pressed in a membrane press and pumped into traditional 60-gallon oak barrels. The wine was aged for 8 months in one-year or older French oak barrels to maintain the vibrancy of the fruit.”
• Desire Lines Wines:
“2017 Desire Lines ‘Evangelho Red Wine’: When I (Cody) first started working at Bedrock, one of my first jobs was to create a binder with maps of all the Bedrock vineyards. I remember, as I scrolled through Morgan’s list of cool vineyards in Google Earth, a sense of shock at the number of vineyards in Contra Costa County that he’d bookmarked. Where was that?! I couldn’t remember ever seeing that region in The Wine Atlas. But, because of Morgan and Chris’s enthusiasm for Contra Costa’s sandy soils and their insistence that we understand each individual vineyard, I began to recognize (as they had) the beauty of Contra Costa County.”
› TN of the Desire Lines “Evangelho Red Wine” from Mike Dildine ![[berserker.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/8/8600bbd4810d342b8fbd4ffb62b4f0026275fd37.gif "berserker"){kind=small}
• Dirty & Rowdy Family Wines:
“2017 ‘Evangelho Vineyard’ Old Vines Mourvèdre: Exotic notes of shiso leaf and salted plum rise above a steaming bed of perfectly cooked rice. You are then hit by an explosive and never-ending briney fruit that carries you quickly into old vine daydreams. This one requires comfy clothes as it takes you full on into the astral plane. The finish goes on and on to the point where you ask, ‘will I go back to normal again?’ And when you find yourself wandering the far reaches of the universe, remember ‘if you get confused, just listen to the music play’.”
• Keep Wines:
"2016 Carignane: Our second release from the ‘Evangelho Vineyard’, this vintage we chose to do 100% whole cluster in a stainless tank, just wetting the cap with light pump overs. Took almost 6 weeks to ferment and only barrel aged for 6 months before bottling. 140 year old, head trained & dry-farmed vineyard in Contra Costa, stepping onto the ‘Evangelho Vineyard’, you feel like you are on another planet. The large head-trained, arthritic knuckled vines are grown in powdery sand dunes and, stranger yet, is the rarity of grape vines in Contra Costa. This is a lighter reflection of the varietal than our previous year, rose petals and bramble fruit on the nose, medium bodied, long dusty tanins.
“14% alc.
PH 3.65
90 cases produced”
• Neyers Vineyards:
_"2016 Carignan ‘Evangelho Vineyard’: 'We’ve been buying grapes from the ‘Evangelho Vineyard’ for many years. These vines are now approaching 140-years-old, we get only a few tons each vintage. We ferment the fruit naturally, in an open-top fermenter, using only native, wild yeast. The grapes are all crushed by foot – not machine – and after a 45-day maceration, the wine is aged for one year in neutral French oak barrels. We bottle it unfiltered.
"‘The finished wine offers much of what I found charming in the Carignan of French wine producer, Maxime Magnon, and the bright, fresh flavors introduce an element rarely seen in wines made from other varieties.’
"2012 Zinfandel, ‘Evangelho Vineyard’ Contra Costa County:
"Vineyard: The ‘Evangelho Vineyard’ is one of the great old vine Zinfandel vineyards in the world. Wines from vineyards like this are unique and cannot be replicated anywhere; they are truly California’s greatest gift to the vinous world. Planted in 1890, on their own roots, in over 30 vertical feet of alluvial sand these vines somehow eek out an existence despite being farmed without irrigation. The vineyard produces fantastic and soulful wines.
"The vineyard is at the westernmost viticultural edge of California’s great Delta. Warm days, cool nights and wind define the climate that shaped this spit of sand into a once thriving agricultural area. These sands are granite and quartz, literally blown from the Sierra Nevada over millenia. Urban growth has impacted the area and now few of the old vineyards are left. Agriculture still dots the landscape, between housing developments and shopping centers: a reminder of the area’s past.
"Harvest occurred on August 20, our earliest harvest at Evangelho, at 23.9 Brix, 3.2 pH and 7.6 g/L . As always the picking decision here is a complex endeavour. Our section of Evangelho is inter-planted with smaller amounts of Carignane, Mataro (Mourvedre), Palomino, Muscat, Chasselas, and other varieties as of yet un-identified. Each of these historic varieties have different ripening trajectories giving the finished wine great complexity. As always we harvest and co-ferment in the true ‘field-blend’ tradition.
"Cuvasion & Elevage: The grapes were de-stemmed to tank where they soaked for nearly a week before the indigenous yeast took hold. Fermentation was vigorous giving great color, structure and soaring aromatics. We pressed the wine at cap-fall, allowing the wine to go nearly dry on the skins. Total maceration time for the wine was 16 days. Three weeks of resting in steel before the wine was placed in seasoned French Oak,; this helps to preserve the sense of place and strong vineyard character. Malolactic fermentation completed in the late winter and the wine was given its single racking in January. We bottled 123 cases of 750 mLs on July 29, 2014.
“Tasting Note: Dark-red to near black in color. This is the most intensely aromatic wine we have produced from the vineyard. As always we aim for a style that is traditional with a firm vineyard voice. The vintage character of '13 is one of great intensity, but well balanced with bright acidity and vivid fruit. This is the lowest alcohol, 13.9%, we have ever had from this site. The vineyard speaks loudly rather than the hand of the winemaker – something we firmly believe in.”
• T-Vine Winery:
"2014 ‘Evangelho Vineyard’ Carignane: The ‘Evangelho Vineyard’ is one of the most special vineyards on the planet, and there are few superlatives that truly pay it justice. Situated between a Burger King and a PG&E plant, acres of beachy sand are speckled with 140-year-old, head-trained Carignane vines. These little bushes thrive here, creating supple, flavorful grapes year after year.
“It’s hard to imagine a more tempting wine than the 2014 vintage of ‘Evangelho Vineyard’ Carignane. A stunning ruby red color in the glass, this wine exudes gorgeous aromas of blackcurrant, maraschino cherry, rich cedar and rosemary accompanied by delicate floral accents in the background. On the palate, bright red fruit shines through at first with beautiful nuances of spice, eventually revealing cinnamon and hints of vanilla. Soft, delicate tannins unravel across the palate as it builds to a long, persistent finish with loads of freshness. We’ll be darned if you can find an easier-drinking wine.”
"2014 ‘Evangelho Vineyard’ Mataro: What can we say about our inaugural vintage with this delectable varietal? Contra Costa County is a premier spot for growing some of the best Mataro (also known as Mourvèdre). The half-hillside, half-coastal region gives this grape everything it wants, so you can get everything you want from the moment you open that bottle.
“Understated elegance is how we describe this wine, but we will let you be the judge. Aromas of raspberry, cumin and fennel get you ready for the complexity of the palate. Soft silky layers of red ripe fruit followed by spices with vanilla and floral notes. The perfect wine to pair with your outdoor pizza oven creations.”
• Three Wine Company:
"2015 Three Zinfandel ‘Evangelho’ Contra Costa County: This ‘Evangelho’ Zinfandel is sourced from ancient vines in Contra Costa County. This wine is a blend of Zinfandel (84%), Petite Sirah (13%), and Mataro (23%). Vibrant in color the wine is bright on the palate with blue fruit flavors, ripe peach (yes peach), violets, supple tannins, and perfect acidity. The wine shows staggering ancient vine concentration with a briary density, and silken chewiness with a velour-like texture.
“Decant and enjoy our 2015 ‘Evangelho’ Zinfandel with dry-rubbed baby back ribs.”
I would like to highlight the available wines made from ancient single vineyard sources in the Contra Costa region, vineyard-by-vineyard. I will probably miss a few along the way.
At the moment, if you notice any overlooked wines or producers who currently bottle an “Evangelho Vineyard” wine, please let me know!!! 
*** EDIT ***
Jancis Robsinson’s 2021 Wine Writing Competition included a submission exploring the “Evangelho Vyd”:
Jancis Robinson website
“Evangelho: The Vineyard at the End of the World”
by Chris Howard
Chris Howard’s essay includes a couple of “grid maps” of the grape varieties planted in this old-growth site!
· Grid Map of entire “Evangelho Vyd”
· Grid Map of “Evangelho Vyd” Block #5
· Guide for Grape Varieties in Grid Maps
Wines from the “Marchetti”, “Mazzoni”, and “Live Oak Vineyards” (Oakley, CA):
• Cline Cellars:
https://clinecellars.com
"2016 ‘Live Oak’ Zinfandel:
“Vineyard: Our ‘Live Oak’ Zinfandel is named for Live Oak Road in Oakley, California. The vineyards run adjacent to this road and consistently produce some of our most complex, concentrated and unique lots of Zinfandel. Cline Cellars has chosen to dry-farm the ancient, head-pruned vines. A practice employed by the Italian and Portuguese immigrants that planted this vineyard well before the turn of the century. The Oakley terroir is characterized by the hot sun, sandy soil, and a unique band of air that flows from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers. The terroir also contributes to this areas resistance to phylloxera. Ultimately, this produces a stunning and concentrated Zinfandel.”
“Production: The grapes from the ‘Live Oak Vineyard’ were harvested at high natural sugar levels and treated gently in the cellar to emphasize the explosive fruit characteristic of the block. The fruit was almost entirely de-stemmed and lightly crushed, with a large proportion of whole berries remaining in the must. Fermentation occurred at moderate temperatures in stainless steel tanks, using a selection of cultured yeasts. After eight days of gentle ‘pump-overs’ and near dryness, we drained and pressed the wine from its skins. The ‘Live Oak’ Zin was minimally handled before being put down to barrel. The wine was aged for 8 months in 40% new, medium-toasted French oak barrels.”
The “Marchetti Vyd” is found at 20 Poco Lane in Oakley, off of Live Oak Ave (SW of the corner of Oakley Rd and Live Oak Ave). The vines are reportedly ~60-years-old. The Marchetti family lives at 20 Poco Lane, thus the source of the vineyard’s moniker.
• Three Wine Company:
http://www.threewinecompany.com
"2014 Three Wine Co Zinfandel ‘Mazzoni-Live Oak Vineyard’ Contra Costa County:
“The ‘Mazzoni-Live Oak Vineyard’ is actually two separate small vineyard blocks that are separated by Live Oak Road in Oakley. They were once owned and farmed by two Italian immigrant farmers named Spike and Guido Mazzoni. The ‘Mazzoni’ block is made up of predominately Zinfandel vines but is a field blend with Petite Sirah, Carignane, Mataro, and Alicante Bouschet with a few vines of Muscat of Alexandria as well. The 1.5-acre ‘Live Oak’ block across the street is 100% Zinfandel.”
“Together, the 2015 ‘Mazzoni-Live Oak’ is 76% Zinfandel, 4% Mataro, 4% Carignane, 13% Petite Sirah, and 3% Alicante Bouschet. The wine is dark black and blue color to the edge, with raspberry, boysenberry, violets, supple tannins and perfect acidity. The wine shows staggering ancient (130-year-old) vine concentration with a briary density and silky, velour-like mouthfeel which is classic of this vineyard.”
Kreck ‘Del Barba Vineyard’ Old Vine Zinfandel:
“Flavors of blackberry pie, dried figs, and ripe plum layered with white pepper and toffee. Big, bold Zinfandel fruit with layered nuances continue to evolve from beginning to end. A full mouth feel and viscous middle is balanced by the moderate acidity.”
• Oro en Paz:
https://oroenpaz.com
Oro en Paz 2015 ‘Del Barba Vineyard’ Carignan:
“Made from century old, head-trained, own-rooted vines currently farmed by 4 generations of the Del Barba family. Opens with bright cherry, plum, black currant, and a touch of flint. It has smooth and light tannins and a beautiful balance between florality, fruit, and earth. The wine fermented naturally and aged in a rustic and traditional style.”
• Wilson Foreigner:
http://www.wilsonforeigner.com
Wilson Foreigner 2017 Zinfandel, ‘Del Barba Vineyard’, Contra Costa County:
“The Zinfandel comes from a historic vineyard in Contra Costa County, owned and farmed by the past four generations of the Del Barba family. The fruit was harvested on the morning of August 24th. Fermented by ambient yeasts in a concrete tank, with fifteen percent whole cluster, the must was pressed ten days after harvest. Primary and malolactic fermentation finished in neutral French oak barrels, no additions were made except for sulfur dioxide, and the wine was bottled without any fining or filtration. True to the vineyard and variety, the wine is classically ripe, with freshness and a finely-grained texture. Rich plum and blueberry flavors are balanced by clean acidity.”
From an reply clarifying from which Del Barba family property Wilson-Foreigner sourced its grapes:
“Thank you for the question. The Del Barba family has several parcels throughout Oakley, our Zinfandel is sourced from their 40-acre vineyard off Rose Avenue.”
“The vineyard has sandy soil, thus the name of the vineyard, which is important for two key reasons. First, phylloxera cannot live and breed in sandy soil types; this key fact allowed this vineyard to survive the multiple onslaughts of phylloxera that has plagued Northern California in the last 150 years. Secondly, the sandy soil allows for great drainage and promotes the vines forming strong and deep root systems. The old vines produce small tonnages per acre and tiny berries which both combine to create incredible intensity of structure and flavor.”
“Tasting Notes: This is ink in a bottle! The color is highly extracted from the 100+ year old vines. Too many people pass by the Petite Sirah in favor of Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine represents a excellent value for a full-bodied wine. The nose offers dense aromatics of fruitcake, brier, vanilla, baking spices, and strawberry. The palate is dominated by jammy blackberry, with notes of espresso and spice. The palate is structured with complex layers of uber ripe dark fruit, dried cherry, persistent oak and a vanilla tinged finish. Aged exclusively in American oak barrels.”
Trinitas’ website’s listings for the 2014 vintage bottlings lack detailed breakdowns of the vineyard, sources, and tasting notes. As prior vintages of Contra Costa wines were sourced from the Gonsalves family’s “Sandy Lane Vineyard”, I presume that the same is true as well for those from the 2014 vintage.
The Del Barba family owns, leases, or farms at least 4 different vineyards in the Oakley area. The Cecchini brothers help Tom Del Barba & Co. care for the plantings.
The Gonsalves family’s Sandy Lane Properties holdings and farming contracts, manage farming for +10 vineyards in Eastern Contra Costa County, with upwards of 100 acres under its care!
Words of Wisdom from Mr Joel Peterson on the “Oakley Road Vineyard” (specifically) and Centenarian Viticultural Sites in Eastern Contra Costa (generally):
“…This part of Contra Costa (CoCo for short) is changing rapidly. It has been an industrial backwater for a long time. High tension electrical lines, a PG&E power plant, and motels that rent by the hour stand in contrast to an inordinate number of churches and an increasing reality of fast food restaurants that populate a disjointed human landscape. There is increasing urbanization as roads are widened and BART pushes east. Many of these vineyards are for sale with inflated land prices, having been designated as commercial land - the result being land costs that are more compatible with strip malls than farming. For now, the vines remain in the ground, producing viticultural treasure. And for now, we continue to make lovely wine and cherish our moment.”
*** EDIT ***
Sandlands “Contra Costa” red wines have been sourced from the “Oakley Road Vyd”.
The number of wineries bottling wines from the Gonsalves family’s (Sandy Lane Properties) NE Antioch properties (“Little Big Patch Vyd” & “Sand Trap Vyd”) has increased significantly over the past few vintages. Both plantings, located along E 18th Street, in all likelihood will not see many more years.
Wines from the “Castanho Vineyard” (Oakley, CA):
• Dropout Wines:
http://www.dropoutwines.com/index.html
"2015 Dropout Mourvèdre
“The 2015 Dropout Mourvèdre is 100% Mourvèdre from ‘Castanho Vineyard’ in Contra Costa (home of the oldest California Mourvedre vines). These vines were planted in 1981 in 100 feet of sand. The grapes were picked mid August, 100% de-stemed, and fermented in stainless steel tanks. There was skin contact for 18 days before they were gently pressed. After settling in tank for 48 hours, the wine was put into 100% french oak barrels (20% new) for 12 months. The wine finished ml naturally in barrel. Deep purple in color, this rich and meaty wine carries dark fruit flavors such as blackberry and plum. 14.5% ABV, only 250 cases produced.”
I hate to interrupt my “Wines from the ‘xxxxx Vineyard’” groove, but I was surprised to see that the Contra Costa WineGrowers Association website appears to have been updated…
Contra Costa County WineGrowers Association
History:
https://cccwines.com/history
“Contra Costa County has a rich history of Viticulture.”
A downloadable PDF is available for viewing more details about the history of grape-growing and winemaking in the region.
Member Wineries & Growers:
https://cccwines.com/members
Wineries:
• Bloomfield Vineyards
www.bloomfieldvineyards.com
633 1st Street
Brentwood,Ca 94553
925-783-0050
• Campos Family Vineyards
www.camposfamilyvineyards.com
3501 Byer Rd
Byron, CA 94514
(925) 308-7963
• Cline Cellars
24737 Arnold Dr/Hwy 121
Sonoma, Ca 95476
707-940-4030
• Favalora Vineyards Winery
See our Facebook page
Oakley, Ca 94561
Winery - 346 Earhart Way Livermore CA
925-260-4439
• Hannah Nicole Vineyards
www.hnvwines.com
6700 Balfour Rd
Brentwood, Ca 94513
925-240-9463
• Nemet Wines, LLC
gkn@dvinvintners.com
411 Bayonet Ct
Brentwood, Ca 94513
925-596-0087
• Newberry Estate Vineyards
www.newberryvines.com
2525 Sunset Rd
Brentwood, Ca 94513
925-516-3300
• Petersen Vineyards
www.petersenvineyards.com
101 Blaine Lane
Knightsen, Ca 94558
925-890-4841
• Tamayo Family Vineyards
www.tamayowines.com
2155 Elkins Way
Brentwood, Ca 94513
925-513-8463
• Viano Vineyards
www.vianovineyards.com
150 Morello Ave
Martinez, Ca 94553
925-228-6465
• Wedl Wine Cellars
www.wedlwinecellars.com
400 Tate Ln.
Oakley, CA 94561
Growers:
• Bloomfield Vineyards Partnership
Brentwood, Ca 94548
925-634-4400
• Cecchini Family Vineyards
www.cecchiniandcecchini.com
Knightsen, Ca 94513
925-550-5540
• Orchard and Vine
www.orchardandvinebrentwood.com
550 Walnut Blvd
Brentwood, Ca 94513
925-634-4645
• Diablo Vista Vineyards
PO BOX 5
Oakley, Ca 94561
925-625-8741
• Gambandella Vineyards
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8o5qMZCkAoDBszTD9
11660 Byron Hwy
Brentwood, CA, 94513
mgambo@comcast.net
925-389-7885
• Ghilarducci Vineyards
luccazin@gmail.com
The “Members” page of the CCCWines website also includes “Associate Members” & “Taster Members”.
The website contains a list of recent accolades that member wineries have been awarded, as well as a page for news and updates.
Here is a new (to me) vineyard in Oakley, CA…
Cork Dork
“The Oakley Connection, pt. 1: Rosenblum Zinfandel Oakley Vineyards 2003”
May, 2005
"…First of all, I live in within 30 miles or so of Oakley, and have a soft spot for Contra Costa wines. I am a big fan of the ‘Duarte Vineyard’ from Turley, for a place nearly as hot as the Central Valley, grapes from ‘Duarte’ in Oakley, are always impressive.
"…Still, there was something off about it. Again, I went on-line, this time to the Rosenblum site. Aha! this is only 77% Zinfandel and has old Carignane, Petite Sirah and Mourvedre vines as well as Zin which gives it an unusual darkness, in both color and flavor as well as an unctuousness and roundness that the blend give it. It’s also from a blend of fields as well, so I’m guessing that this comes from all these different vineyards that are all in Oakley:
"Rosenblum Zinfandel ‘Oakley Vineyards’
"Vineyards: Cutino, Live Oak, Castanho, Carapinha, Viano, Continente
Composition : 77% Zinfandel
“In any case, this is not something I am going to run out and buy – this one was a treat a guest brought one night, but at least I know a little more about this amazing area I’m so close to. Viva Contra Costa!”
I had not encountered a wine from the “Carapinha Vineyard” previously. Further digging turned up a vineyard-designated dessert wine from Rosenblum Cellars, but no other wines with the site identified on the label. No other wine-centered articles mention this old vine location, either.
Here is the apparent address of the “Carapinha Vineyard”:
Mr Rory Williams’ Calder Wine Company has released a new collection of single-vineyard bottlings from Napa & Contra Costa Counties:
"Happy December to all Calder subscribers! I’m very happy to release a suite of new wines for your enjoyment.
…The wines are offered first-come, first-served. Shipping times vary based on destination. If you choose the ‘winery pickup’ option, I will contact you directly to arrange pickup. Please feel free to reach out to me directly at 707-947-3126 or by email at Rory@calderwine.com if you have any questions, or are having difficulty with an order.
“Five new wines are being released, which includes new vintages of most of the core wines, as well as a brand-new wine, the 2016 ‘Evangelho’ Carignane…”
YouTube Video:
Bedrock Wine Company
December 4, 2018
“Sampling Fruit: ‘Evangelho’”
I do not know whether the fruit from this ~9.5 acre vineyard is bottled by a small producer or a larger concern, nor do I know what variety/varieties are grown here. The vines do look old, however…
1799 Carpenter Road
From the CoCo Assessor’s office website:
“General Information
APN: 034-030-006-0
Situs Address: 1799 CARPENTER RD,
OAKLEY, CA, 94561-4002”
LoopNet Profile for 1799 Carpenter Road:
“…Unique ownership opportunity that includes a
Wedding/Event Center, Industrial Warehouse with
Yard, Grape Vineyard, and Caretaker’s
Residence, all on one Property…”
"La Grande Estates is Bay Area’s premiere venue and the perfect place to exchange vows.
“Set on a majestic ten acres of vineyards, it’s a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor ceremony, with a european ambiance that includes lush gardens, lakeside gazebos, calming sounds of its waterfalls and the peaceful tranquility of its panoramic surroundings…”
Here are some photos from Mr Kevin Romick of Oakley area vineyards…
“Romick in Oakley” blog website:
★ EDIT ★
Mr Romick said that these vines are located along Oakley Rd, and are most likely going to be uprooted next year. 
Here are a couple of additional vineyard photographs in Oakley, CA, courtesy of Mr Kevin Romick:
According to Mr Romick’s Facebook post, the above images were captured during a walk from the CoCo DeAnza Trail, back around to Rose Ave & Laurel Rd.
Once again, I discovered an article about Contra Costa’s wines and producers some time after its publication…
East County Today
“Contra Costa Winegrowers Offer Holiday Wine Selections”
by East County Today Staff & CCWA
December 23, 2018
"…Rather than peruse the hundreds of labels out there, look no further than out your backdoor. Break from the trends and the norm, and give Contra Costa another look!
"For your festivities, the Contra Costa Winegrowers Association would recommend:
"Campos Family Vineyards - Sparkling Rose’ - $32:
“The Campos Family Vineyards are located in Byron.”
“…Living on and owning a vineyard is a dream come true for Ric and Michelle…With all of the charm of Napa tucked away close to home, Campos Family Vineyards is truly a hidden gem. Enjoy the splendor of this unique destination getaway, with its striking landscape and glorious sunsets!”
“…This Sparkling Rose is a Chardonnay & Viognier base, with a dose of the beautiful red fleshed Alicante Bouchet Grape that adds color and flavor. Sparkling Rose’ is one of the most versatile, food friendly wines and is easily enjoyed on its own. Low residual sugar and higher acid makes pairing very easy.”
“…For more on Campos Family Vineyards, visit them at www.camposfamilyvineyards.com.”
"…Cline Cellars - 2017 ‘Cashmere White’ - $20:
“While the winery may be in Sonoma, the Clines tend to over 400 acres of vineyard in Contra Costa, primarily located in Oakley and Brentwood. Fred Cline started Cline Family Cellars in 1982 in Oakley, California, making his first vintages from original plantings of Mourvèdre, Zinfandel, and Carignane, some of which dated back to the 1880’s.”
“In 1989, Fred purchased a 350-acre horse farm in Carneros and moved the winery to Sonoma County. As one of the original Rhône Rangers, he began planting varietals that included a number of vineyards dedicated to Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne.”
“…The ‘Cashmere White’ has bright flavors of peach and pear, floral aromas, and toasty vanilla notes. It is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Muscat Canelli to add fruit flavors and floral aromas, and Viognier to round out the mix.”
“For more on Cline Cellars, visit them at www.clinecellars.com.”
"Nunn Family Vineyards - 2016 Mourvèdre - $20:
“The Nunn Family Vineyards are located in Brentwood. Farming attracted the Nunn Family to the rich soils of Brentwood almost 150 years ago. At just 20 years old, George Nunn came to town to work the grain harvest. He saw promise and a successful future living and working with the kind people of Brentwood. Slowly, other family members joined him and they set down roots in their beautiful surroundings. They began building a farming business that is still run by third, fourth and fifth generation members of the Nunn Family.”
“…Love for the land and a passion for farming runs strong throughout the Nunn Family. This outlook on life formed the momentum behind Orchard & Vine. Ron and Shirley Nunn purchased the property with a vision of growing wine grapes and farm market produce while creating a destination that would allow others to enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty and to experience agriculture first-hand. The vineyards were planted in 2013, and the 2016 vintage represents the first fruits of their vision.”
“This Mourvèdre is rich and vibrant, with hints of a spicy character, it is the perfect wine for food pairings with slow braised, grilled and stewed meats.”
“www.orchardandvinebrentwood.com”
"Wedl Wine Cellars - 2014 Zinfandel - $16:
“…Wedl Wine Cellars is in Oakley…Don and Carole got married in North Carolina…Soon after, the young couple moved to California and Don decided that since he lived so close to the country’s most prestigious wine country, he’d try making some himself. With little money and lots of friends, Don began making award winning wine in the family garage with the help of other young parents, neighbors and friends of friends. The Wedl garage in Pleasant Hill became a year-round tasting room, crush pad and bottling center. And ‘Wedl you taste the difference’ became a trademark that everyone seems to remember.”
"…John Dobleman joined the eclectic winemaking group in the Wedl’s garage in 1987. He quickly became one of the permanent members and lured many of his skydiving and teacher friends to join in the fun. In 2000, John and his wife, Tina, moved to Oakley and planted 1½ acres of Zinfandel grapes - thereafter known as ‘Mad John’s Zinyard’.
“The Wedl Zinfandel is initially a little earthy in the nose, sometimes referred to as ‘forest floor’, but quickly settles to cherry and violet. Initial palette is dominated by black currant and cherrywood, with currant transitioning to a short, simple finish. Well-balanced acidity, but not overwhelmed by alcohol.”
“For more information on Wedl Wines, visit: www.wedlwinecellars.com.”
"Favalora Vineyards Winery - 2015 Late Harvest Zinfandel - $24:
“The Favalora Vineyards are located in Oakley, but wines are made in Livermore. Frank’s winemaking expertise is a combination from long time Oakley grower, Stan Planchon and the iconic winemaker, Kent Rosenbloom.”
“The ‘Late Harvest’ Zinfandel is full of vibrant, berry fruit flavors, with the color of garnets.”
“For more information on Favalora Vineyards Winery, visit Facebook…”.
