2017 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Dark red with purple hints around the edges. Aromas of dark ripe berries, dried herbs, and earthy tones introduce this medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft tannins are framed by cherry, plum, and blackberry fruit followed by hints of oregano and bay leaf. Great structure and good acidity combine with a spicy finish. Enjoy upon release or cellar up to eight more years.
Three Vineyard Blend
Estate fruit was harvested from the northern end of Dry Creek Valley, where these Bordeaux varietals excel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec were hand-picked just a mile from the winery. Here these varietals develop exceptional character on the vineyard sites situated on the valley bench. The vines receive the right amount of sun and cooling fog which develops optimal flavors in the grapes. Careful vineyard management during the growing season defines the style even more.
Winemaking
The growing season of 2017 was a good one with plenty of rain and later on warm temperatures which set a very good growth cycle and developed the flavors and maturation of the grapes. While there was a heat spike at the beginning of September the varietals held up well. The fruit was picked the final week of September. The culmination is of great quality with a high concentration of flavors and a good level of acidity. The grapes are de-stemmed and cold-soaked for 48 hours. Inoculated with the Bordeaux yeast strain, fermentation followed in stainless steel tanks. During this time, in order to get the best color and flavor, the juice is circulated over the cap daily and gently macerated to extract the color and flavors from the skins. Once dry the new wine is pressed and stored until barreled in the winter. The separate varietal lots were aged in American and French oak barrels for sixteen months in order to develop smoothness and complexity. The final blend of the four grapes adds deep character and a great flavor profile.
Barrel Aging: 16 months in American oak combined with, 35% new French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.68
Total Acidity: .550g/100ml
2016 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Wine Blend, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Sonoma Classico: the standard by which all others are measured
Definition of a classic: judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.
From the fruit-forward aromas to the lingering flavors, Sonoma Classico brings the characteristics of each varietal into focus: blueberry, elderberry, warm baking spice, and hints of toasted oak. A full-bodied blend, there is an underlying structure of medium tannins bringing balance along with oak notes and spice on the finish.
Sonoma County’s classic roots are in those early blends ranging from “Burgundy”, “Claret” and “Mountain Red” to today’s high-end “Red Wine Blends”. These wines have been a regular part of Sonoma County’s heritage. Sonoma Classico is the next step in the evolution of these blends. The classic style invites you to gather around the table as it becomes part of the meal, not the centerpiece. It is the sharing of this wine with family and friends that defines it as a classic: Sonoma Classico.
The Vineyard & Cellar
Small lots were chosen in order to bring site-specific qualities into focus within the blend; fresh black pepper and berry aspects combined with the herbaceous and plum characteristics reflect these varietals as grown in Dry Creek Valley. The grapes were harvested, depending on the varietal, over the month of September following a wet spring and perfect growing conditions during the summer. Excellent quality and high intensity of aromas and bright acids are a result. Barrel aging took place over 10 months in new and seasoned American oak barrels with 25% new oak. Working toward an approachable style, the time in oak softens the wine and adds complex layers to the finished product. The oak influence is nuanced and a supporting player because of the judicious use of new oak blended with neutral barrels.
Specs
Vintage: 2016
Composition: A proprietary blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Alcohol: 14.4%
pH: 3.80
Total Acidity: .555g/100ml
2017 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Our Mother Clone is a classic ‘Dry Creek’ Zinfandel with aromas of ripe blackberries and a touch of warm baking spices. This Zin is plump with jammy berry flavors combined with a touch of black pepper spice and notes of vanilla, and toasty oak. The spicy-berry dynamic so typical of Dry Creek Zin combines round tannins and a long, spicy finish which are a hallmark of our style. Enjoy now or cellar for three to five years.
Mother Clone Vineyard Sources
Pedroncelli’s historic Zinfandel vineyards are situated on the hillsides surrounding the winery. They are located on the ranch originally purchased by John Pedroncelli Sr. in 1927 and planted to Zinfandel since 1904. The vines are head-pruned and hand-picked, a second-generation vineyard cloned from the original “Mother” vines. The individual blocks were replanted in the early 1980s. The fruit from the remaining 110-year-old vines, although a small part, is included. We also source from Bushnell and Faloni, both longtime Zinfandel vineyards.
Winemaking
Zinfandel from the 2017 vintage was harvested over the first week of September. A solid winter of rain gave the grapes a great start. An uneventful spring was followed by a warm summer which bumped aromatics and flavors. As harvest time approached the warmer weather led to an earlier harvest. Concentrated fruit and high aromatics are the results.
At the crushpad, destemmed grapes are transferred to a fermentation tank to cold soak for 24-48 hours and then are inoculated with selected yeast. Daily pump-overs and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with delestage regimes are done for maximum phenolic extraction. Following this, the grapes are pressed and go to storage tanks until barreled down for twelve months of aging in American oak barrels. The addition of Petite Sirah (19%) adds depth of color and brings structure to the Zinfandel fruit.
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Aging: 12 months in American Oak, 30% new oak
Alcohol: 15.0%
pH: 3.74
Total Acidity: .574g/100ml
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
2x 2017 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
2x 2016 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Wine Blend, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
2x 2017 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Case:
4x 2017 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
4x 2016 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Wine Blend, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
4x 2017 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
The year was 1927. President Calvin Coolidge captured the imagination of nobody. Babe Ruth hit home run after home run powered by little more than whiskey and sausage. And John Pedroncelli, Sr. bought a vineyard and winery in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County. Since then, four generations of Pedroncellis have weathered Prohibition, wine booms and busts, and changing tastes. And they’re still a family-owned operation making acclaimed premium wines. Wherever you are now, Sultan of Swat and Silent Cal, this next glass is for you.
I was lucky enough to get a bottle of the 2016 Sonoma Classico to taste.
Cork smelled of stone fruits: dark cherries, plum and a hint of cinnamon or baking spice. First sniff in the glass gave off the same aromas and a hint of earthiness. It has a rich, silky mouthfeel and bolder than I was expecting without being heavy. It’s a nice dark burgundy in the glass.
It tastes of cherries (reminded me of Luxardo Marachinos), leather and a hint of raspberry or black berry. It finished smooth and a bit dry in a good way. I got a bit of tannins on the first sip but not a lot after that. It finished clean and light on the palate.
I ran it through an aerator for my second glass. It opened the wine up quite bit and it was more complex. I began getting more plum and a bit of bitter chocolate or tabacco in with the cherry. There was a bit more of the tannins I expected after the first whiff, but it still finished pretty light.
I saved half the bottle to try the next evening. (I use Vacu Vin savers on all my open bottles) It tasted much the same as the aerated glass. It had opened up and was giving a nice full dark cherry and berries with hints of leather and bitter chocolate.
I didn’t have a chance to try it with a meal, but it strikes me as a versatile wine that could go well with pasta and red sauce, chicken, pork, and even some lighter steak dishes. I think it would be great with charcuterie and nice cheeses.
If the Zin and the Cab Sav are even close, this is a great deal. I’m in!
Good Evening!
I’ve had the good luck to be chosen again to rat.
2017 Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Open 20min, 55-60F
In the glass: Nice garnet color and medium viscosity. Legs are thin and slow to form.
Nose: Strong tobacco and wood smoke. Faint savory herb and dark fruit.
The cab is dry with medium+ acidity. Body is medium. Tannins are soft, but present. Tobacco flavor is strong and lasting. Tart dark fruit are somewhat present on the mid-pallet. Tobacco, smoke and bay leaf linger on back-pallet.
Reluctant to head to the store with the current state of things for a better pairing, we had the previously scheduled ground turkey sheperd’s pie. While not an ideal pairing, there was enough fat in the entree to highlight the cab’s acidity and tannin to work well with food.
This primarily cabernet sauvignon blend is smooth and well structured, but begs for more time in the bottle. In its current state, the smokey tobacco flavors would be a bit much to drink alone. With food, the smoke and tobacco are much calmed. I have bought and still have quite a bit of Pedroncelli in my collection. I strongly agree with the consensus from the old site and Casemates; great QPR and benefit from cellar time. Drinking this 2017 cabernet sauvignon now is too early, especially knowing how well older Pedroncelli reds have aged.
After a couple hours open in the bottle, there has not been a lot of change. The smoke/tobacco notes have calmed slightly and now noticing a bit of cocoa on the pallet.
Saving half the bottle for tomorrow, and will update here.
Day 2, bottle corked overnight on counter. 1/4 bottle to the glass, 1/4 bottle to decanter. Bottle and decanter open an hour+ before dinner.
Dinner tonight is much more inline with this Cab heavy blend. Reverse seared rib eye steak basted in butter, thyme, garlic, and rosemary. Three cheese potatoes gratin, roasted zucchini spears, and salad with romaine, tomato, and goat cheese.
Day open in glass: less smokey and more raspberry/plum on the nose. Juicier mouth feel with acidity and tannin still showing. Tobacco flavors more integrated. More tart dark fruit flavor as well. There is a better balance with the fattier meal tonight. The steak gives a nice complex balance between the smokey tobacco flavors and the dark fruit. The gratin definitely highlights the fruit while almost eliminating the tobacco. The vegetables less so on the fruit.
Day + 1.5 hour in decanter: Less smoke and more spice taste. Better flavor integration, more prominent fruit. Nice complexity that lingers. This is showing what I expect the future to hold for this wine. A nice, complex red that works great with food, but will continue to mature and stand on its own.
To no one’s surprise, Pedroncelli wines are a great value at retail, and obviously fantastic at these prices. I haven’t been let down yet across many mixed cases over the years.
@kookie00 I bought the Pedroncelli when it was offered here in September and had it shipped to Indiana. I wonder what changed? I’d like to get in on this again.
@jonnyrockett@kookie00@rjquillin compliance issues… sorry we’ll work on it. IN wants a lot of money to allow me to send wine. Gub’ment- can’t live with 'em and…ah hell pass the beer nuts.
@jonnyrockett@pedroncellifam@rjquillin thanks for the response. liquor stores and distributors have bought the govt here. it took 30 years to get Sunday sales here.
No hurry…walked down to the cellar with the intent to find a Pedroncelli…knee-high in the right main rack, I spied a purple foil and thought “Ureka!”…pulled out a bottle of 2009 Mother Clone…did look at Cellartracker and was satisfied, which was as expected…more later…
(Oh…clearly an autobuy)
@FritzCat The 2009 Mother Clone Zin was very nice. The cork slid out easily with the ah so, with dark staining only on the bottom. Some bricking, a bit amber in color. Plenty of fruit left, with pleasant tannins and acidity. I was impressed that it had lasted 10 years or so. “Do it!”
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016-17 Pedroncelli Assorted Reds - $30 = 18.74%
And the Classico from Wine Enthusiast:
84 Points
Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah all make it into this moderately ripe blend, which is aged under a year in American oak. Herbal with a taste of black and red currant, it finishes with a mouthful of tannin. VB 12/1/18
Wine Advocate 89 Points
“Medium to deep ruby-purple, the 2017 Zinfandel
Mother Clone gives up spiced peach cobbler, brown
sugar, shaved nutmeg, red hot cinnamon candy and
cured meats aromas with notes of dried herbs and damp
earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has a good core of spicy
fruits with grainy tannins and good freshness, finishing
very spicy. 7,000 cases produced.”
The mother clone is from 1904 plantings that were cut and replanted in the 80’s. The wine has that old vine feel to it. I opened this on Friday morning around 10:30 because it’s a pandemic and nothing matters anymore, and I did a quick taste alone and with some legit local blue cheese.
It had promise, but needed time, so I kept it open and tasted throughout the day. There’s a high alcohol that hits hard early, but softens the longer it oxidizes - even though it never goes away. The alcohol is in the nose along with the tart cherry. Once you get a sip the dark fruit comes in stronger, and it becomes the main contender as the wine stays open. The blue cheese was outstanding with this wine - the depths of flavor really makes for a tasty pairing and I tried it with beef bulgogi (불고기) for dinner - delicious. It holds its own with strong flavors, a bonus for any zin. The cherry and dark fruit is great on the palate, and the wine does well being open for a while.
I suspect it’ll age a few years pretty well, too. I highly recommend getting this, even if you’ve just bought the Saxon - these are going to be different wines of the same varietal and both are going to have a good place in your cellar or wine fridge or under the bed or wherever you hide your wine from the rest of your family. The fact that you can get this along with two other great wines makes this a must buy case for me, maybe even two.
@erisire
You mention this being open most of the day. Did you chill it down a bit for dinner? Bloody hot here, 37C yesterday and all day would have been a bit much for a bottle on a counter…
@ddeuddeg With that number, sans Covid, it could well be either and quite normal.
I’m not near the coast, well inland, where the swings can be quite dramatic. Forecast for today was 31, at 13:00 it’s currently 34, in the shade, north side of the house.
Always glad to see Pedroncelli on! This is similar to the Sept offering, but nice to see the Mother Clone Zin in this mix, we were down to one bottle of 2015. How does Ed know these things??? Buy now!
/giphy tidy-flimsy-gunslinger
This is possibly the best Pedroncelli offer I’ve ever seen- Mother Clone (when’s the last time we saw a deal on this wine??) cab, etc? Under $11/btl? Crazy. In for 2.
We have been away from ordering for a while to drink down some that we overstocked. But this sounds great deal and ordered 2 cases for sharing with other friends that quickly talked into it.
@pedroncellifam Don’t see any newer vintages on CT, but still have a few more of these to work thru.
What’s the difference 'tween this and the Chairman’s Selection?
Know who now has access to the site?
@chaosdreamer UPS lately has not been needing a signature. But they have met either me or a friend at the door and the driver knows us. I don’t think they would leave it unattended or with a minor.
@chipgreen@pjmartin I bought a case earlier and splitting with family! As always, thanks for thinking splits. I’m so overloaded, but I plan on laying these vintages down for a while!
@chipgreen I can imagine the smirk on Mark’s face if he reads this and sees that I bought - Pedroncelli is having a sale on their site and I convinced him to share a case of their Cabs - but this was too good to pass up so thanks for asking for the split.
@winedavid49 Decided to chance shipping without summer precautions. Case shipped from Petaluma 5/6 and was scheduled for delivery today, 5/8 which I believe would have been fine.
UPS now advises delivery delayed until Monday 5/11.
Package is presently in Goodyear AZ just outside of Phoenix. I am in Tucson.
Any thoughts?
@louas In the same boat here. Was scheduled to be delivered today to me here in Phoenix. Now delivery also delayed until Monday. Should be good and cooked by then. I hate UPS.
@louas Wish I could. My shipment is now on a truck at the main facility in Phoenix. We had some surprise thunderstorms this morning that have kept temperatures in the mid 70’s and cloudy. Here’s hoping this saves the wine from getting cooked.
@louas Received mine Monday morning. Bottles were warm ,but not hot. No cork leakage so hoping all will be Ok. I will let them rest in cellar and try one maybe this weekend. Fingers crossed.
@FritzCat@Mark_L
Have to agree, now the deliveries, from UPS, are not only made early evening, if lucky, but generally a day late as well; except for some cheese that was a day late then delivered mid afternoon, and left in the sun.
@FritzCat@Mark_L I shipped one box to my house, then one to the UPS Customer Center just to spread the pickups. But then I go and come back from Grocery Outlet with more bottles. I’m insufferable.
@rjquillin they had some of the '96 York Creek Meritage. Got that and some of the Maxville Sauv Blanc. Some 2014 Rubissow Merlot but I didn’t get any of that.
Did anyone else who ordered this get 4 bottles of 2018 Zinfandel instead of 2017? Are there any tasting notes available for the 2018 or feedback on how they compare???
@lindylouwho Mine arrived yesterday but I hadn’t bothered digging into the case. Like you, I received 4 of the 2018 Zinfandel. I think we should just sit back and wait for @winedavid49 to make things right , or just wait a year and call things even.
@danandlisa@Mark_L@Winedavid49 That was why I asked - mainly curious if everyone received the 2018 and wondered if anyone has tried it. I enjoy Pedroncelli Zins so am assuming I’ll enjoy this as well…
@lindylouwho@Mark_L@Winedavid49 I opened up a bottle last night, for science. The 2018 was “drier” than the lab rats said for the 2017. It was not bad, just not as fruity as I was expecting. We had it with roasted garlic marinara, thin spaghetti, and hot Italian sausage. Still love his wines.
@danandlisa@lindylouwho@Mark_L@Winedavid49 Agreed on the dry aspect. Almost tart. Like when I opened a Meeker Hill zin without letting it open for 6 hrs. Tight and spicy.
@Winedavid49 I also got the 2018 Zin not the 2017. Haven’t tried yet as case just arrived today with case of Onesta. However, love their Zin & am sure it will be good. Would love to hear others tasting notes.
@Winedavid49 It means we’ll have to wait an extra year while we consume the scores of other bottles of Pedroncelli that is overflowing in our cellars. What could be worse???
2017 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Three Vineyard Blend
Winemaking
Specs
2016 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Wine Blend, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
The Vineyard & Cellar
Specs
2017 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Mother Clone Vineyard Sources
Winemaking
Specs
Included in the Box
Price Comparison
$256.85 for 4x 2017 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, 4x 2016 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Wine Blend, and 4x 2017 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel at Pedroncelli Winery & Vineyards
About The Winery
Winery: Pedroncelli Winery & Vineyards
Owners: Pedroncelli Family
Founded: 1927
Location: Sonoma, CA
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Friday, May 22nd - Tuesday, May 26th
Pedroncelli Assorted Reds
6 bottles for $79.99 $13.33/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $129.99 $10.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2017 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards
2016 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico
2017 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel
Now we are talking! Never mind the CT notes. They are worthless
In for a case.
Will there be rats?
I’ve been trying so hard to be good but…Pedroncelli…and I’ve consumed an entire bottle of pinot so I’m…vulnerable.
@karenhynes
Rats?
For this?
You’re kidding me, right?
@rjquillin
Yeah, kinda.
@rjquillin @winedavid49
Ok, fine. Twist my arm. In for 6. It’s been a while since I’ve caved in and made a purchase.
@karenhynes @rjquillin @Winedavid49 I bought a case. Thank you winedavid.
@karenhynes @rjquillin @Winedavid49 6? Cases, right?
@pedroncellifam @rjquillin @Winedavid49
If only I had the space…and budget!
@karenhynes @rjquillin @Winedavid49
You never have too little space. You only have too few friends!
Grrr… WineDavid, what are you doing to me? Two auto-buys back-to-back!
/giphy grubbing-bendy-blood
Got a case for a coworker. Not sure if I need a case for myself too.
/giphy trained-portly-coleslaw
@radiolysis Hah! Sure it is…
@radiolysis coworker sighting (even in this environment)!
@radiolysis @Winedavid49 It’s a cat. The “co-worker” is totally a cat.
@corrado @Winedavid49 @rjquillin Now the cat got jealous and needed a case.
/giphy mechanical-credible-sloth
You guys are trying to turn me into “the wine guy” with my ups dude…
@nickiwhite Yeah! I’m like “Hey! New to the hood! Let’s drink!”
I was lucky enough to get a bottle of the
2016 Sonoma Classico to taste.
Cork smelled of stone fruits: dark cherries, plum and a hint of cinnamon or baking spice. First sniff in the glass gave off the same aromas and a hint of earthiness. It has a rich, silky mouthfeel and bolder than I was expecting without being heavy. It’s a nice dark burgundy in the glass.
It tastes of cherries (reminded me of Luxardo Marachinos), leather and a hint of raspberry or black berry. It finished smooth and a bit dry in a good way. I got a bit of tannins on the first sip but not a lot after that. It finished clean and light on the palate.
I ran it through an aerator for my second glass. It opened the wine up quite bit and it was more complex. I began getting more plum and a bit of bitter chocolate or tabacco in with the cherry. There was a bit more of the tannins I expected after the first whiff, but it still finished pretty light.
I saved half the bottle to try the next evening. (I use Vacu Vin savers on all my open bottles) It tasted much the same as the aerated glass. It had opened up and was giving a nice full dark cherry and berries with hints of leather and bitter chocolate.
I didn’t have a chance to try it with a meal, but it strikes me as a versatile wine that could go well with pasta and red sauce, chicken, pork, and even some lighter steak dishes. I think it would be great with charcuterie and nice cheeses.
If the Zin and the Cab Sav are even close, this is a great deal. I’m in!
Good Evening!
I’ve had the good luck to be chosen again to rat.
2017 Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Open 20min, 55-60F
In the glass: Nice garnet color and medium viscosity. Legs are thin and slow to form.
Nose: Strong tobacco and wood smoke. Faint savory herb and dark fruit.
The cab is dry with medium+ acidity. Body is medium. Tannins are soft, but present. Tobacco flavor is strong and lasting. Tart dark fruit are somewhat present on the mid-pallet. Tobacco, smoke and bay leaf linger on back-pallet.
Reluctant to head to the store with the current state of things for a better pairing, we had the previously scheduled ground turkey sheperd’s pie. While not an ideal pairing, there was enough fat in the entree to highlight the cab’s acidity and tannin to work well with food.
This primarily cabernet sauvignon blend is smooth and well structured, but begs for more time in the bottle. In its current state, the smokey tobacco flavors would be a bit much to drink alone. With food, the smoke and tobacco are much calmed. I have bought and still have quite a bit of Pedroncelli in my collection. I strongly agree with the consensus from the old site and Casemates; great QPR and benefit from cellar time. Drinking this 2017 cabernet sauvignon now is too early, especially knowing how well older Pedroncelli reds have aged.
After a couple hours open in the bottle, there has not been a lot of change. The smoke/tobacco notes have calmed slightly and now noticing a bit of cocoa on the pallet.
Saving half the bottle for tomorrow, and will update here.
Hoping everyone good health!
Follow up:
Day 2, bottle corked overnight on counter. 1/4 bottle to the glass, 1/4 bottle to decanter. Bottle and decanter open an hour+ before dinner.
Dinner tonight is much more inline with this Cab heavy blend. Reverse seared rib eye steak basted in butter, thyme, garlic, and rosemary. Three cheese potatoes gratin, roasted zucchini spears, and salad with romaine, tomato, and goat cheese.
Day open in glass: less smokey and more raspberry/plum on the nose. Juicier mouth feel with acidity and tannin still showing. Tobacco flavors more integrated. More tart dark fruit flavor as well. There is a better balance with the fattier meal tonight. The steak gives a nice complex balance between the smokey tobacco flavors and the dark fruit. The gratin definitely highlights the fruit while almost eliminating the tobacco. The vegetables less so on the fruit.
Day + 1.5 hour in decanter: Less smoke and more spice taste. Better flavor integration, more prominent fruit. Nice complexity that lingers. This is showing what I expect the future to hold for this wine. A nice, complex red that works great with food, but will continue to mature and stand on its own.
To no one’s surprise, Pedroncelli wines are a great value at retail, and obviously fantastic at these prices. I haven’t been let down yet across many mixed cases over the years.
@chienfou SCAPEGOAT! GRAPE COAT! I’M ON A BOAT!
No Indiana, again. Argh.
@kookie00 I bought the Pedroncelli when it was offered here in September and had it shipped to Indiana. I wonder what changed? I’d like to get in on this again.
@jonnyrockett IDK, second straight pretty regular offer (Gruet) that used to ship to IN, but no longer.
@jonnyrockett @kookie00
may want to contact @pedroncellifam to see if Ed can help out direct.
The Ped site doesn’t seem to have a ship-to list.
@jonnyrockett @kookie00 @rjquillin compliance issues… sorry we’ll work on it. IN wants a lot of money to allow me to send wine. Gub’ment- can’t live with 'em and…ah hell pass the beer nuts.
@jonnyrockett @pedroncellifam @rjquillin thanks for the response. liquor stores and distributors have bought the govt here. it took 30 years to get Sunday sales here.
No hurry…walked down to the cellar with the intent to find a Pedroncelli…knee-high in the right main rack, I spied a purple foil and thought “Ureka!”…pulled out a bottle of 2009 Mother Clone…did look at Cellartracker and was satisfied, which was as expected…more later…
(Oh…clearly an autobuy)
purple loves @barney.
@FritzCat Yeah, I pushed the button.
@FritzCat The 2009 Mother Clone Zin was very nice. The cork slid out easily with the ah so, with dark staining only on the bottom. Some bricking, a bit amber in color. Plenty of fruit left, with pleasant tannins and acidity. I was impressed that it had lasted 10 years or so. “Do it!”
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2016-17 Pedroncelli Assorted Reds - $30 = 18.74%
/giphy mournful-vulgar-lettuce
The cab from the Nittany Epicurean (yeah I know, who the heck is that…)
http://nittanyepicurean.blogspot.com/2020/02/2017-pedroncelli-winery-cabernet.html
fwiw of course
And the Classico from Wine Enthusiast:
84 Points
Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah all make it into this moderately ripe blend, which is aged under a year in American oak. Herbal with a taste of black and red currant, it finishes with a mouthful of tannin. VB 12/1/18
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/pedroncelli-2016-barrel-select-classico-red-dry-creek-valley/
and the zeen-fan-dellllll:
Wine Advocate 89 Points
“Medium to deep ruby-purple, the 2017 Zinfandel
Mother Clone gives up spiced peach cobbler, brown
sugar, shaved nutmeg, red hot cinnamon candy and
cured meats aromas with notes of dried herbs and damp
earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has a good core of spicy
fruits with grainy tannins and good freshness, finishing
very spicy. 7,000 cases produced.”
/giphy unwilling-obnoxious-finger
We re-organized our “cellar” last weekend, so we know there is room for these…
/giphy unnerving-mentionable-month
I’m here to throw down for the
2017 Pendroncelli Mother Clone Zin
The mother clone is from 1904 plantings that were cut and replanted in the 80’s. The wine has that old vine feel to it. I opened this on Friday morning around 10:30 because it’s a pandemic and nothing matters anymore, and I did a quick taste alone and with some legit local blue cheese.
It had promise, but needed time, so I kept it open and tasted throughout the day. There’s a high alcohol that hits hard early, but softens the longer it oxidizes - even though it never goes away. The alcohol is in the nose along with the tart cherry. Once you get a sip the dark fruit comes in stronger, and it becomes the main contender as the wine stays open. The blue cheese was outstanding with this wine - the depths of flavor really makes for a tasty pairing and I tried it with beef bulgogi (불고기) for dinner - delicious. It holds its own with strong flavors, a bonus for any zin. The cherry and dark fruit is great on the palate, and the wine does well being open for a while.
I suspect it’ll age a few years pretty well, too. I highly recommend getting this, even if you’ve just bought the Saxon - these are going to be different wines of the same varietal and both are going to have a good place in your cellar or wine fridge or under the bed or wherever you hide your wine from the rest of your family. The fact that you can get this along with two other great wines makes this a must buy case for me, maybe even two.
@erisire
You mention this being open most of the day. Did you chill it down a bit for dinner? Bloody hot here, 37C yesterday and all day would have been a bit much for a bottle on a counter…
@rjquillin Ah - I’m a spoiled American - it’s in the 60’s in our place consistently (about 19-20C) so I didn’t chill it.
@rjquillin 37°C! In San Diego, in April. Is that an oral or rectal temperature?
@ddeuddeg @rjquillin Nicely done!
@klezman @rjquillin Just some of my standard goofiness.
@ddeuddeg With that number, sans Covid, it could well be either and quite normal.
I’m not near the coast, well inland, where the swings can be quite dramatic. Forecast for today was 31, at 13:00 it’s currently 34, in the shade, north side of the house.
/giphy demanding-torrential-level
/giphy obscene-tart-porpoise
/giphy dumb-mysterious-tank
Case ordered and shipped to my parents.
In for 2. Autobuy for me. Been drinking Ped for nearly 20 years…such a great winery.
@WreckDiver that is very kind of you.
/giphy lofty-dangerous-healer
Thanks Ed!
Always glad to see Pedroncelli on! This is similar to the Sept offering, but nice to see the Mother Clone Zin in this mix, we were down to one bottle of 2015. How does Ed know these things??? Buy now!
/giphy tidy-flimsy-gunslinger
@benguin986 resistance is futile.
@benguin986 Ed is Italian for “knows all things”
Auto-buy!
/giphy conventional-zany-scent
Dang it, I was finally going to stop…
/giphy traditional-lifeless-acoustic
@javadrinker
Same…
/giphy derelict-bowed-waffle
Third purchase in ten days. Ouch.
/giphy extravagant-aquamarine-ice
@SippinSantiagos
This makes six cases in April for me. So far…
We’re drinking more during this quarantine, but not that much!
@pseudogourmet98 Just doing our part to stimulate the economy and support wineries.
This is possibly the best Pedroncelli offer I’ve ever seen- Mother Clone (when’s the last time we saw a deal on this wine??) cab, etc? Under $11/btl? Crazy. In for 2.
@wnance In for one. My excuse is that I’m working to save the economy one winery at a time! Thank you Julie and Ed!
@ejrunion @wnance our pleasure. Thanks for the support!
@pedroncellifam
Hey Ed.
People are talking about you…
And @winedavid49 isn’t coming to your defense.
dude its Saturday! I thought putting this group together was all I needed to say! @winedavid49 …that guy…
@pedroncellifam @Winedavid49
Really twisted your arm on this one did he?
Good to have you back, as you can tell from the comments.
We have been away from ordering for a while to drink down some that we overstocked. But this sounds great deal and ordered 2 cases for sharing with other friends that quickly talked into it.
/giphy faithful-quickest-chameleon
@raccoon81 , , ,
In for a case for my son in CO and a case for me in ME
Was looking for an '01 Three Vineyards to pull a cork on tonight, but this showed up first
2009 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon Morris Fay Vineyard
@rjquillin that’s around the time that vineyard sold, and may be the last vintage…
@pedroncellifam Don’t see any newer vintages on CT, but still have a few more of these to work thru.
What’s the difference 'tween this and the Chairman’s Selection?
Know who now has access to the site?
/giphy jiggly-implicit-silver
/giphy promiscuous-underrated-aftermath
What the heck…anyhow, I caved
/giphy novelty-vain-jaguar
I was just lamenting tonight with our T-bones I didn’t have a good Cab. Problem solved, well a few years out.
The good thing about sheltering in place is that I am actually home now on weekdays so I can sign for wine!
@chaosdreamer UPS lately has not been needing a signature. But they have met either me or a friend at the door and the driver knows us. I don’t think they would leave it unattended or with a minor.
@chaosdreamer @pmarin legal says “adult signature required” tough in these times.
/giphy selfish-massive-bridge
@chaosdreamer We’re still a state of lockdown so they just knock and run, lol! Never miss a delivery tho. It’s JUST LIKE FED-X was back!
I guess this is an auto-buy?
/giphy fat-yucky-box
If anyone in NE OH is buying, am willing to split a case
@chipgreen I’ll split with you. Pushing the button now. What a deal.
/giphy fearing-supreme-liquid
@chipgreen @pjmartin Odo is that you?
@chipgreen @pjmartin I bought a case earlier and splitting with family! As always, thanks for thinking splits. I’m so overloaded, but I plan on laying these vintages down for a while!
@pjmartin
Thanks!
@pjmartin @pmarin
Haha, I often see pmarin and think that it’s pjmartin at first.
@chipgreen I can imagine the smirk on Mark’s face if he reads this and sees that I bought - Pedroncelli is having a sale on their site and I convinced him to share a case of their Cabs - but this was too good to pass up so thanks for asking for the split.
And I was being so good and working to drink down my stockpile during social distancing…but in for an autobuy case!
/giphy jingly-delightful-salsa
Meh, why not.
/giphy foulest-dazzle-fairy
/giphy darling-finicky-mosquito
/giphy lopsided-obsessed-ant
/giphy mammoth-theatrical-ivy
Perfect gift for the parental units.
/giphy boastful-murderous-peanut
@hscottk Niiiiice…can you talk to my kids for me?
@FritzCat Sure thing! It’s the perfect Mother’s/Father’s Day gift.
/giphy irrational-coarse-screw
/giphy awful-primo-beast
/giphy confusing-meaningful-pie
Finally shipped 10 days after purchase
@bagofdicks just got my notice as well.
@bagofdicks @rjquillin Same
@winedavid49 Decided to chance shipping without summer precautions. Case shipped from Petaluma 5/6 and was scheduled for delivery today, 5/8 which I believe would have been fine.
UPS now advises delivery delayed until Monday 5/11.
Package is presently in Goodyear AZ just outside of Phoenix. I am in Tucson.
Any thoughts?
@louas Well with the weather over the weekend in that area showing 103 and 102 all I can say is good luck…sorry
@louas CS will be your friend; UPS, not so much.
@louas In the same boat here. Was scheduled to be delivered today to me here in Phoenix. Now delivery also delayed until Monday. Should be good and cooked by then. I hate UPS.
@louas Snowed here last night, not concerned about my case. I am sorry about your dilemma.
@BuckNaked can you mount a rescue mission to ups facility in goodyear?
@louas Wish I could. My shipment is now on a truck at the main facility in Phoenix. We had some surprise thunderstorms this morning that have kept temperatures in the mid 70’s and cloudy. Here’s hoping this saves the wine from getting cooked.
@BuckNaked @winedavid49 Pedroncelli was just finally delivered. Exterior of bottles temped at 91 degrees. Not styro packed. Now in cool down phase
@louas Received mine Monday morning. Bottles were warm ,but not hot. No cork leakage so hoping all will be Ok. I will let them rest in cellar and try one maybe this weekend. Fingers crossed.
My Pedroncelli and Onesta Cinsault are both scheduled for delivery tomorrow. Can anyone here distract SWMBO for a critical hour?
@Mark_L You’re on your own! This work from home plan is horrible. I used to get home long before my SWMBO, and was able to hide boxes in the basement.
@FritzCat @Mark_L
Have to agree, now the deliveries, from UPS, are not only made early evening, if lucky, but generally a day late as well; except for some cheese that was a day late then delivered mid afternoon, and left in the sun.
@FritzCat @Mark_L I shipped one box to my house, then one to the UPS Customer Center just to spread the pickups. But then I go and come back from Grocery Outlet with more bottles. I’m insufferable.
@FritzCat @Mark_L @radiolysis
Anything of note at GO?
@rjquillin they had some of the '96 York Creek Meritage. Got that and some of the Maxville Sauv Blanc. Some 2014 Rubissow Merlot but I didn’t get any of that.
@radiolysis I really loaded up on the York Creek, and far preferred the '96 over the '97.
Did anyone else who ordered this get 4 bottles of 2018 Zinfandel instead of 2017? Are there any tasting notes available for the 2018 or feedback on how they compare???
@lindylouwho @winedavid49
I also received 4 bottles of 2018 Zinfandel instead of 2017.
@lindylouwho Mine arrived yesterday but I hadn’t bothered digging into the case. Like you, I received 4 of the 2018 Zinfandel. I think we should just sit back and wait for @winedavid49 to make things right
, or just wait a year and call things even.
@lindylouwho Interesting, just checked, both cases have 2018 Zin as well. Wonder how it does compare to the 2017 all around.
@lindylouwho @Mark_L @Winedavid49 I also received the 2018. My guess is everyone did.
@danandlisa @Mark_L @Winedavid49 That was why I asked - mainly curious if everyone received the 2018 and wondered if anyone has tried it. I enjoy Pedroncelli Zins so am assuming I’ll enjoy this as well…
@lindylouwho yep. i ordered two cases, but only opened one – and it had the 2018 as well.
@danandlisa @lindylouwho @Mark_L @Winedavid49
Mine arrived but I’ve not retrieved it yet. Will try to check it tomorrow or Thursday.
@danandlisa @karenhynes @lindylouwho @Mark_L @Winedavid49 Same here. Did anyone get the 2017?
@lindylouwho @Mark_L @Winedavid49 I opened up a bottle last night, for science. The 2018 was “drier” than the lab rats said for the 2017. It was not bad, just not as fruity as I was expecting. We had it with roasted garlic marinara, thin spaghetti, and hot Italian sausage. Still love his wines.
@danandlisa @lindylouwho @Mark_L @Winedavid49 I got all 2017. I had one last night. Really tight. Should have waited a few years!
@danandlisa @lindylouwho @Mark_L @Winedavid49 Whoops, that was the Cab. I got four 2018 Zins as well.
@danandlisa @lindylouwho @Mark_L @Winedavid49 Agreed on the dry aspect. Almost tart. Like when I opened a Meeker Hill zin without letting it open for 6 hrs. Tight and spicy.
@lindylouwho Also got the 2018. Haven’t tried it yet but not too broken up about it
yea, looks like alot of 2018 got in there. i’m checking with Ed from Pedroncelli.
@Winedavid49 This helps add to my “only even numbered years” vertical.
@Winedavid49 Thanks for checking! Got the 2018 Zin here as well.
@Winedavid49 I also got the 2018 Zin not the 2017. Haven’t tried yet as case just arrived today with case of Onesta
. However, love their Zin & am sure it will be good. Would love to hear others tasting notes.
2018 zin here too
'16 Classic, '17 Cab, '18 Zin here
And here I thought verticals came at a premium cost.
Got that thar 2018 Zin, too.
@CrazyJeff @winedavid49 …and it is great!
Hello, Ed acknowledges the mishap on vintages and we own our mishap in not identifying the mix up.
We both offer our sincere apologies.
@Winedavid49 Does Ed have any comments on 2018 compared to 2017? I’ve heard 2018 all around was a highly regarded year.
@Winedavid49 It means we’ll have to wait an extra year while we consume the scores of other bottles of Pedroncelli that is overflowing in our cellars. What could be worse???
Got mine…2017 or 2018 Zin…does not matter.
It will all be tasty.
Got mine. 2018 zin, but whatever. Have only been through one bottle so far but genuinely impressed by the Sonoma Classico.