Winery
of the Week:
Pedroncelli - Dry Creek Valley, Ca
The
Pedroncelli Family has a long history in Sonoma County's Dry
Creek Valley, encompassing four generations and ninety years.
While the world has changed a significant amount in that time,
one thing which has not is the family's dedication to making
fine wines. From the Valley's signature grape, Zinfandel, to
the perhaps less expected Chardonnay, there's plenty to like
among their offerings. Cheers!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Pedroncelli
2014 "Mother Clone" Zinfandel
Winery:
Pedroncelli
Grape(s): 99% Zinfandel & 1% Petite
Sirah
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
The nose offers a wealth boysenberries and cherries with
touches of pepper and clove rounding it out. Ripe bramble
fruit, cherry, and plum form a nice fruit core that builds
to a finish of sweet spice and pepper. Balanced flavors,
tannins, and acidity make this an inviting wine.
Rating: 90 |
|
Pedroncelli
2016 "Signature Selection" Dry Rose of Zinfandel
Winery:
Pedroncelli
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Enticing red berries aromas and citrus blossoms come forth
on the nose. The palate brings together flavors of cherry
candy, strawberry, and watermelon with elements of lemon
peal and a perfumed spice. A pleasant acidity and nice
fruit-driven character make this a compelling wine, especially
for a warm day, if only spring would come sooner.
Rating: 89 |
|
Pedroncelli
2014 Beach Vineyards Merlot
Winery:
Pedroncelli
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
One is greeted by aromas of cassis and plums backed by
expressions of vanilla, smoke, and leather. Ripe plum
is at the forefront on the palate mixing in notes of current
and blackberry alongside smoked cedar, minerals, and all-spice.
More robust than your typical Merlot, it's likelier to
win over fans of old-world style wines than lovers of
supple fruit-driven bottles.
Rating: 89 |
|
Pedroncelli
2014 Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Pedroncelli
Grape(s): 81% Cabernet, 8% Cabernet Franc,
7% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
The nose unites lush and savory aromas, with blackberry
and current joining sweet spice and smoke. Cassis and
black cherry flavors emerge after a sip, alongside highlights
of fresh herbs, smoky oak, and cinnamon. The tannins provide
a sturdy backbone and there's a fine balance of ripe and
heartier flavors. Could be a bit bold for some, but if
brawny too your liking, this is a bottle to check out.
Rating: 89 |
|
Pedroncelli
2016 East Side Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
Winery:
Pedroncelli
Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Tropical, sweet citrus, and herbaceous aromatics draw
one into a glass. Ripe mangoes, peaches, and lemons are
at the forefront of the palate, moving into wet stone
and grassy allusions on the finish. It's a bright wine,
with an uplifting acidity, but still retains a bit of
a lush, round quality. Plenty to like here. Match it up
with your favorite shellfish.
Rating: 90 |
|
Pedroncelli
2015 Signaure Selction Chardonnay
Winery:
Pedroncelli
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Addressing a swilled glass brings aromas of peaches and
pears. Very ripe pear, golden apple, and white peach play
with a whisper of vanilla on the palate. A friendly acidity
and slightly creamy mouthfeel make this a very approachable
wine, especially for the price.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|