2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico, Dry Creek Valley, Barrel Select
Tasting Notes
From the fruit-forward aromas to the lingering flavors, Sonoma Classico blends the characteristics of each grape seamlessly: red fruits with a touch of cooking spices; cherry and berry flavors with bright acidity and light toast notes. A medium-bodied blend, there is an underlying structure of rounded tannins bringing balance along with a peppery and toasty finish.
The Vineyard & Cellar
Overall a good growing season with a warm Summer and a few heat spikes in September. Grapes for the blend come all from estate vineyards in Dry Creek Valley. The grapes were picked during the second week of September based on maturity and acidity levels. High concentrations of phenols and aromatics are reflected in this vintage.
Barrel aging took place over 11 months in new and seasoned American oak barrels with 20% 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.
Winemaker 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 an outstanding example.
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 round 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 standard.
Specs
Composition: A proprietary blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel, Tinta Madeira and Souzao
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Aging: 11 months in American Oak barrels, 20% new
Alcohol: 14.9%
pH: 3.83
Total Acidity: .577g/100ml
What’s Included
6-bottles:
6x 2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico, Dry Creek Valley, Barrel Select Case:
12x 2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico, Dry Creek Valley, Barrel Select
For nearly a century, the Pedroncelli family has been crafting exceptional wines in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. It all began in 1927 when John Pedroncelli, Sr. purchased a vineyard and a small winery west of Geyserville; two elements have remained unchanged since then - the exceptional place the Pedroncelli family farms their vineyards and their dedication to creating fine wines.
For nine decades, the Pedroncelli family has been producing wines of the highest quality, tradition, and heritage. Their commitment to excellence and their family-run business make them a trusted source of great wines - enjoy them with confidence.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico, Dry Creek Valley, Barrel Select
This wine is, according to the label and their website, a “proprietary blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel, Tinta Madeira and Souzao.” (No proportions given.) It has “11 months in American Oak barrels, 20% new.”
Since I had some of the next vintage already, I opened a bottle of that to compare. The winery doesn’t give much information about the blend for the 2021. They’ve changed the label quite a bit and adopted the new style of bottling without a capsule. But the UPC is the same.
Initial impressions:
20: Bright, fairly deep red color, smooth on the palate, alcohol not prominent, full flavor with no strong varietal type. Long finish, with some initial alcohol, fading to a dark fruit flavor (plum? blackberry? black currant?), then on to a lingering red cherry jam (but not sweet). I could sip this all night, but I want to leave some for tomorrow.
21: A little deeper red color than the 20, flavor tending a bit more toward cherry, but very similar otherwise. Also a fairly long finish, but not as complex, not so much of the dark fruit. Still, pretty sippable.
Day 2, 20: Not much difference. Aroma on first pour a little more than yesterday, with hints of vanilla. Finish starts somewhat tannic, then fades to the dark fruit again, and then to red cherry jam again. Still very pleasant.
I don’t think this will impress lovers of high-end classic austere Bordeaux reds, but it works well as an everyday wine that can drunk with food or just sipped.
Day 2, 21: Also not much differnce.
Now, the big question is whether I should buy one or two cases. The case price makes two a tempting option.
Reverse Wine Snob had a go at this in December, $60 for a 4-pack:
The 2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico begins with an excellent and very enticing aroma of dark fruit, lots of baking spice, vanilla, licorice, cedar, anise, a little graphite and more. It’s an awesome start.
Taking a sip reveals a juicy, dusty, spicy and delicious wine! Smooth with firm tannins, this is a lovely, flavor-packed, full-bodied blend full of ripe dark fruit, more baking spice, more licorice, balsamic notes and vanilla. Just yum, we love it!
I also love the addition of the Portuguese grape varieties here which gives it a bit of a deeper, darker note versus past vintages.
And as good as it is right now, we know from previous vintages that it has great aging potential too. This is exactly what you’d expect from Pedroncelli - excellent quality at an amazing price.
It ends with a dry, long, slightly grippy and delicious finish. It was just as good on day 2…
I was happy to be selected to review this wine because I love red blends for an anytime wine. We decided to have it with some grilled lamb lollipops and it was perfect. Pouring my first glass I noticed the bright ruby red color and thick legs down the sides after giving it a swirl. Coming from the glass was floral and toasty notes with hints of tobacco and oak in the nose.
It’s got a smooth silky feel for a full bodied wine. It tastes of dark fruit with a good balance of tannins and acidity, though it is on the drier side. Pairing it with the robust flavor of the grilled lamb was perfect. I would also recommend drinking it when eating seasoned red meats too.
If you lean towards dry full bodied wines or you have a special dinner that needs a bold pairing, go for this red blend.
@Broski great review. Thank you. Can you possibly elaborate a little bit on the oak you got from your initial taste? Too many of those over “american” oaked Zins back 20 or so years back! ThNk you
Hey Kids-
Just popping in to give some encouragement. This is the end of this vintage. We made a huge packaging change in the 21 vintage. That left me with a few pallets of the 20 vintage in the old label. When I want to give a good deal, this is where I come. I’m as loyal to you guys as Jasper the dog is to me!
Order up!! this won’t last long and you’re not likely to see it again!
This wine is drinking well now, but will still be a joy in a year or two. We’re about to have storms in CA and a heat spell in the middle of the country…I’m thinking a sausage ragu here, and grillin’ out in the warm spots!
Cheers!!
Ed
@klezman Sorry. The vineyard was in such decline that it was time. We have several hundred cases of the 2018 vintage. Buy it now and put it away. It’ll last 20+ years!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico - $10 = 6.24%
I’m sorely tempted to pick up at least a 6-pack (with the penalty for not getting a case so minimal), but having just rearranged my storage (repacking cases, eliminating 7+ case boxes), having a case of the latest “Cheer” (and a Twisted Oak case coming), and not sure when I will be able to taste again, I’ll be passing on this offering.
We are down to two bottles of Classico (2020 and 2016), and out of official storage space. Can’t believe there are any left- but we wanted to give you all a chance.
Late buyer pickup of a case!
/giphy grievous-sulky-substance
I guess I only have one of the 2019 left, and with the sub-case markup as low as it is, I can’t not be in for a half.
/giphy intangible-qualitative-barbarian
Hey @winedavid49, my shipment was damaged in transit so UPS sent the rest of it back. Just got an update from Sean (Mercatalyst), who said that I would be refunded within 48 hours. Any chance I could get a replacement case instead of my money back?
@KitMarlot I came here to say mine was also lost/damaged. UPS just stopped giving tracking updates even though it shipped out over a week ago - also got a prompt email about a refund. If I thought I could get a replacement I’d be thrilled, but if not I won’t be mad (just sad I don’t get to drink it).
@blandoon@KitMarlot
You may want to contact @pedroncellifam direct. In the past they have been known to solve issues and take good care of the woot and CM community.
Hey @winedavid49, just picked up this oddly packaged bottle from the UPS store. I assume this was your doing, and I really appreciate that you gave me my money back for the damaged wine and sent me a complementary bottle. As usual, your customer service is exemplary.
2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico, Dry Creek Valley, Barrel Select
Tasting Notes
The Vineyard & Cellar
Winemaker Notes
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale on winery website, $288/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Mar 18 - Tuesday, Mar 19
2020 Pedroncelli Classico
6 bottles for $79.99 $13.33/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $149.99 $12.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
Previous offer:
9/18/23
Ugh, I have no wine money this month. (I spent two years worth of wine money in December
)
I have this wine in “bottled cheer” form. Tasty stuff!
2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico, Dry Creek Valley, Barrel Select
This wine is, according to the label and their website, a “proprietary blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel, Tinta Madeira and Souzao.” (No proportions given.) It has “11 months in American Oak barrels, 20% new.”
Since I had some of the next vintage already, I opened a bottle of that to compare. The winery doesn’t give much information about the blend for the 2021. They’ve changed the label quite a bit and adopted the new style of bottling without a capsule. But the UPC is the same.
Initial impressions:
20: Bright, fairly deep red color, smooth on the palate, alcohol not prominent, full flavor with no strong varietal type. Long finish, with some initial alcohol, fading to a dark fruit flavor (plum? blackberry? black currant?), then on to a lingering red cherry jam (but not sweet). I could sip this all night, but I want to leave some for tomorrow.
21: A little deeper red color than the 20, flavor tending a bit more toward cherry, but very similar otherwise. Also a fairly long finish, but not as complex, not so much of the dark fruit. Still, pretty sippable.
Day 2, 20: Not much difference. Aroma on first pour a little more than yesterday, with hints of vanilla. Finish starts somewhat tannic, then fades to the dark fruit again, and then to red cherry jam again. Still very pleasant.
I don’t think this will impress lovers of high-end classic austere Bordeaux reds, but it works well as an everyday wine that can drunk with food or just sipped.
Day 2, 21: Also not much differnce.
Now, the big question is whether I should buy one or two cases. The case price makes two a tempting option.
Reverse Wine Snob had a go at this in December, $60 for a 4-pack:
The 2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico begins with an excellent and very enticing aroma of dark fruit, lots of baking spice, vanilla, licorice, cedar, anise, a little graphite and more. It’s an awesome start.
Taking a sip reveals a juicy, dusty, spicy and delicious wine! Smooth with firm tannins, this is a lovely, flavor-packed, full-bodied blend full of ripe dark fruit, more baking spice, more licorice, balsamic notes and vanilla. Just yum, we love it!
I also love the addition of the Portuguese grape varieties here which gives it a bit of a deeper, darker note versus past vintages.
And as good as it is right now, we know from previous vintages that it has great aging potential too. This is exactly what you’d expect from Pedroncelli - excellent quality at an amazing price.
It ends with a dry, long, slightly grippy and delicious finish. It was just as good on day 2…
fwiw
MEALS! DEALS! EELS! AWESOME!
2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Wine Blend
I was happy to be selected to review this wine because I love red blends for an anytime wine. We decided to have it with some grilled lamb lollipops and it was perfect. Pouring my first glass I noticed the bright ruby red color and thick legs down the sides after giving it a swirl. Coming from the glass was floral and toasty notes with hints of tobacco and oak in the nose.
It’s got a smooth silky feel for a full bodied wine. It tastes of dark fruit with a good balance of tannins and acidity, though it is on the drier side. Pairing it with the robust flavor of the grilled lamb was perfect. I would also recommend drinking it when eating seasoned red meats too.
If you lean towards dry full bodied wines or you have a special dinner that needs a bold pairing, go for this red blend.
@Broski great review. Thank you. Can you possibly elaborate a little bit on the oak you got from your initial taste? Too many of those over “american” oaked Zins back 20 or so years back! ThNk you
It’s got a hint of oak likely due to the 11 months of aging in the American oak barrels
@Broski thank you
Hey Kids-
Just popping in to give some encouragement. This is the end of this vintage. We made a huge packaging change in the 21 vintage. That left me with a few pallets of the 20 vintage in the old label. When I want to give a good deal, this is where I come. I’m as loyal to you guys as Jasper the dog is to me!
Order up!! this won’t last long and you’re not likely to see it again!
This wine is drinking well now, but will still be a joy in a year or two. We’re about to have storms in CA and a heat spell in the middle of the country…I’m thinking a sausage ragu here, and grillin’ out in the warm spots!
Cheers!!
Ed
@pedroncellifam
It’s been awhile, good to see you back on the boards with us!
@rjquillin rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated!
@pedroncellifam said the poltergeist
@pedroncellifam Ed, what’s this I saw about you guys tearing out your Portuguese varieties and stopping making your Port? Say it ain’t so!
@klezman Sorry. The vineyard was in such decline that it was time. We have several hundred cases of the 2018 vintage. Buy it now and put it away. It’ll last 20+ years!
@klezman @pedroncellifam
Those '18s gonna show up here some time?
@klezman @rjquillin alas, they are all being saved for the Tasting Room, Club and online ordering. But you can order direct from the winery!
@pedroncellifam @rjquillin We might need to do just that. It’s a house favourite!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2020 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico - $10 = 6.24%
Pedroncelli is wine talk for AUTOBUY!!
truthful-minty-turtle
I’m sorely tempted to pick up at least a 6-pack (with the penalty for not getting a case so minimal), but having just rearranged my storage (repacking cases, eliminating 7+ case boxes), having a case of the latest “Cheer” (and a Twisted Oak case coming), and not sure when I will be able to taste again, I’ll be passing on this offering.
The Pedroncelli family has been been our family from the very beginning of this relationship. Wonderful folks!
@woopdedoo awe shucks…
@woopdedoo Copy that!
Almost missed this one for wine to send to my parents. They always enjoy when I send them Pedroncelli.
/giphy golden-old-orca
the little voice in my head compelled me to buy
/giphy waterproof-wooden-prose
Great to see Ed back in the forum!
/giphy literate-usual-moon
/giphy dry-tepid-salsa
/giphy martian-chivalrous-lamb
/giphy patriotic-replete-blackberry
/giphy traumatic-ruddy-wheel
/giphy organic-gloating-hospital
oh I so “hate” you guys… argh. too many good wines…
/giphy divergent-horrified-crab
We are down to two bottles of Classico (2020 and 2016), and out of official storage space. Can’t believe there are any left- but we wanted to give you all a chance.
Late buyer pickup of a case!
/giphy grievous-sulky-substance
I guess I only have one of the 2019 left, and with the sub-case markup as low as it is, I can’t not be in for a half.
/giphy intangible-qualitative-barbarian
Just had a Cheer, no date.on it. Delicious.
Hey @winedavid49, my shipment was damaged in transit so UPS sent the rest of it back. Just got an update from Sean (Mercatalyst), who said that I would be refunded within 48 hours. Any chance I could get a replacement case instead of my money back?
@KitMarlot I came here to say mine was also lost/damaged. UPS just stopped giving tracking updates even though it shipped out over a week ago - also got a prompt email about a refund. If I thought I could get a replacement I’d be thrilled, but if not I won’t be mad (just sad I don’t get to drink it).
@blandoon @KitMarlot
You may want to contact @pedroncellifam direct. In the past they have been known to solve issues and take good care of the woot and CM community.
@blandoon @KitMarlot Give Colin a call in the office. 707-857-3531 We may be completely out of stock on this wine, but he can let you know for sure.
Hey @winedavid49, just picked up this oddly packaged bottle from the UPS store. I assume this was your doing, and I really appreciate that you gave me my money back for the damaged wine and sent me a complementary bottle. As usual, your customer service is exemplary.