Bedrock Wine Conversations

In Part 2 of this conversation, Pax and Chris dive deeper into his winemaking, current roster of vineyards, the culture of sharing his cellar with others, his new project Halcon Estate, lessons learned and the future of wine.

Pax Mahle has been shaping California wine for more than 25 years. In Part One of this two-part conversation, Chris sits down with Pax to hear about growing up in Florida with two hippie parents, finding his way into the wine world through restaurants and retail, and ultimately building his namesake winery — losing it, then fighting to get it back. They also dive into the Wind Gap years, a project that helped define the fresher, more balanced "New California" style. Pax's journey is full of remarkable achievements, good times, and hard-earned lessons, all while producing wines in a wide variety of styles, working with vineyards across the state, and spending time with some of the most influential winemakers from around the world. This is a candid, fun, deep-dive conversation, packed with insight and stories from a true 21st-century California wine pioneer who is also a dear friend.

Morgan and Chris breakdown the wines in the 2025 Winter Release. Mailing list offer goes live 10/28 and the first time buyers offer drops 11/5. Cheers! 2024 Bedrock Vineyard Heritage Wine - 00:14:45 2023 Alta Vista Old Vine Gewurtztraminer - 00:22:52 2024 Judge Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc - 00:28:40 2024 Belloni Zinfandel - 00:38:27 2024 Monte Rosso Zinfandel - 00:43:35 2024 Rossi Ranch Zinfandel - 00:48:30 2024 Nervo Ranch Heritage Wines - 00:55:31 2024 Oakville Farmhouse - 01:02:21 2023 Under The Mountain Heritage Wine - 01:07:30 2024 Evangelho Vineyard Carignan - 01:15:00 2024 Bien Nacido Syrah - 01:19:42 2024 California Syrah - 01:25:20

Chris and Morgan discuss the 2024 California vintage, regenerative organic farming, and even take another pass at barbecue, all while breaking down the wines of the Bedrock 2025 Fall Release. 00:24 — 2023 Teldeschi Ranch Heritage Wine, Dry Creek Valley 13:52 — 2024 Dolinsek Ranch Heritage Wine, Russian River Valley 18:16 — 2024 Carlisle Zinfandel, Russian River Valley 31:06 — 2024 Old Hill Ranch Heritage, Sonoma Valley 40:02 — 2024 Bedrock Vineyard Carignan, Sonoma Valley 47:57 — 2024 Shake Ridge Barbera, Amador County 58:26 — 2023 Tres Bonné Red Wine, 51% Sonoma Valley/49% Oakville 1:06:55 — 2020 Calico Syrah, California

Chris and Morgan discuss the 2024 California vintage, regenerative organic farming, and even take another pass at barbecue, all while breaking down the wines of the Bedrock 2025 Fall Release. 22:56 — 2023 Bien Nacido Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley 33:00 — 2024 Compagni Portis Heritage Wine, Sonoma Valley 42:02 — 2024 Cuvee Karatas, Sonoma Valley 50:03 — 2024 Old Vine Zinfandel, California 1:05:15 — 2024 Katushas' Zinfandel, Mokelumne River 1:11:10 — 2024 Evangelho Heritage Wine, Contra Costa County

In this episode Chris, Morgan and Director of Viticulture Jake Neustadt break the exciting news that Bedrock Vineyard is now Regenerative Organic Certified! This makes it one of 19 vineyards in the country and one of 24 in the world. They talk about the importance of the certification and dive into the pillars of regenerative viticulture- context, minimal disturbance, diversity, keeping the ground covered, and animal animal integration and how, fundamentally, regenerative farming is about letting nature heal itself while also growing a grape crop. The team also reflects on the wine quality improvements that have come with the integration of these practices and how vines having a greater conversation with the soil make for wines that speak more strongly of place.

On this episode, Chris sits down with Doug Polaner of Polaner Selections in New York—one of the most influential importers and distributors of wine in the U.S. over the past 25 years. Doug has helped shape the tastes of the New York market, played a pivotal role in launching some of the world's most iconic wineries, and even influenced what winemakers produce and how they make it. The world of wine distribution and importing is rarely in the spotlight—except recently, with all the talk about tariffs and the effects they could have on the wine business. Yet this often-overlooked part of the industry is essential to the success of wineries, restaurants, and retailers alike. Doug offers a rare and insightful look behind the warehouse and cellar door. He's also been a key part of Bedrock's journey from the early days and remains one of our most trusted partners—and a dear friend. If you find yourself in a wine store or are a buyer in New York or New Jersey, seek out wines they distribute. You will never be disappointed by a wine they represent.

In this episode, Chris and Morgan take a sparkling tour across California as they dive into the wines featured in the upcoming Under The Wire release, going live Tuesday, May 20th. 7:40 - 2021 Solomon Hills vineyard Sparkling Pinot Noir 15:50 - 2021 Brosseau Vineyard Sparkling Chardonnay 28:38 - 2021 Bedrock Vineyard Sparkling Old Vine Zinfandel 35:20 - 2020 Alder Springs Vineyard Sparkling Chardonnay 50:43 - 2020 Alder Springs Vineyard Sparkling Pinot Noir 52:48 - 2021 Alder Springs Vineyard Sparkling Pinot Meunier

Join Sam Coturri, a multi-generational winegrower passionate about organic farming, and Katie Bundschu, a sixth-generation producer from Gundlach Bundschu, as they dive into the exciting S.O.R.B.E.T. event in San Francisco. They discuss the significance of sustainable practices in Sonoma Valley and the evolution from traditional to regenerative farming. The conversation highlights the importance of educating younger generations, fostering community, and how current consumer preferences are reshaping the wine industry. Get ready for engaging stories and a taste of the future of winemaking!

Tom Garrett, winemaker and owner of Detert Family Wines, shares his captivating family history in Napa, tracing back to the gold rush. He highlights the unique qualities of the Detert Vineyard, revered for its superb Cabernet Franc. The conversation touches on the vineyard's historical significance, the challenges of winemaking, and the excitement surrounding the release of a new vintage. With personal anecdotes and insights into his journey in the wine industry, Garrett emphasizes the importance of honoring Napa's legacy while embracing its evolving future.