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!

Pedroncelli 2014 “Mother Clone” Zinfandel

Grape(s): 99% Zinfandel & 1% Petite Sirah

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers a wealth of 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

Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

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

Grape(s): 100% Merlot

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

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

Grape(s): 81% Cabernet, 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 15-20

Tasting Notes:

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

Grape(s): 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

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

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Dry Creek Valley, Ca

Price: 10-15

Tasting Notes:

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