2018 Pedroncelli Signature Selection Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Aromas of rose petals, pomegranate and a touch of nutmeg greet the nose. A light and velvety body embraces the hints of strawberry and black plum fruit with toasted oak notes. On the finish lingering fruit and spice are balanced with bright acidity and mild tannins. An elegant and tasteful Pinot Noir.
Vinyard Notes
Pinot Noir grown in the cool climate of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County is regularly influenced by the coastal influence and this natural nighttime air-conditioning allows the grapes to develop full flavor maturity over an extended growing season while retaining the all-important acidity. The 2018 vintage brought plenty of rain to the vineyards. Perfect growing conditions followed during summer with even heat and a great ripening environment providing extended ripening. The grapes were harvested mid-September and the vintage brought medium tannins as well as higher levels of aromatics and flavors.
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Barrel Aging: 9 months in French Oak barrels, 25% new oak
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.66
Total Acidity: .615g/100ml
2018 Pedroncelli Alto Vineyards Sangiovese, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Aromas of red cherry and warm spice highlight our Sangiovese. Layers of ripe berry, spicy pepper and black plum notes blend with a touch of vanilla and nutmeg in the background. The finish is spicy, framed by bright acidity and soft tannins, making this a great food companion.
Vinyard Notes
This varietal is known as the pillar grape of Chianti. In honor of our heritage we planted this classic Italian varietal nearly 30 years ago while seeking to add some unique wines to our line. We named the three separate sites, which are located on our home ranch, “Alto Vineyards” for the steep hillsides where the vineyards thrive. In the last few vintages, the maturity of the vines as well as the quality of the fruit from these hilltop sections is at their peak.
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Estate Vineyards
Barrel Aging: 10 months in American Oak
Alcohol: 14.7%
pH: 3.37
Total Acidity: .660g/100ml
2017 Pedroncelli Barrel Select Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes
There’s a fragrant bouquet of cherry, dried herbs and black pepper spice followed by flavors of red cherry, spicy oak, cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg all coming together nicely. The lasting finish is spicy and framed by medium tannins with toasty oak notes.
Vinyard Notes
Grown in the heart of the renowned Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, these grapes are farmed on the Pedroncelli estate. Situated on the bench above the valley floor, this vineyard gains its personality from the soil and the location’s microclimate. Cabernet Franc was planted in 1993 to compliment the Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. We make this small lot wine so this varietal can shine on its’ own. The vineyard is sustainably farmed, hand pruned and hand harvested.
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Estate Vineyard
Barrel Aging: 17 months new (30%) and seasoned French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.60
Total Acidity: .585g/100ml
2017 Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 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.
Vinyard Notes
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.
Barrel Aging: 16 months in American oak combined with 35% new French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH 3.68
Total Acidity: .550g/100ml
2018 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Our Mother Clone is a classic ‘Dry Creek’ Zinfandel with aromas of ripe raspberries, blackberries and a touch of warm baking spices. This Zin is plump. Jammy berry flavors combine with a touch of black pepper spice, notes of vanilla and toasty oak. The spice-berry dynamic so typical of Dry Creek Zin combines round tannins and a long, toasty oak and spicy finish which are a hallmark of our style. Enjoy now or cellar for three to five years.
Vineyard Notes
Pedroncelli’s historic Zinfandel vineyards are located 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. The addition of Petite Sirah (10%) adds depth of color and brings structure to the blend.
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Aging: 12 months in American Oak, 30% new oak
Alcohol: 14.8%
pH: 3.57
Total Acidity: .573g/100ml
2018 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
There is nothing ‘petite’ about it. Our full bodied and full flavored Petite Sirah is very aromatic with ripe berry, black plum and toasted oak notes. Rich with black cherry, blueberry and vanilla follow. It is well structured with mild tannins, spice and a long toasted finish. It has the stuffing to age well over many years.
Vineyard Notes
This richly flavored grape, long known for its intense characteristics, has been grown side by side with Zinfandel in Dry Creek Valley for over 100 years. Petite Sirah has been planted on our home ranch since the early 1900s and used in our Zinfandel production as a key part of the blend. The ‘family’ connection is with Carol Bushnell who is a third generation Pedroncelli; her vineyard has been a source of fruit since the 1940s. The resulting blend contains a combination of fruit from Estate and Bushnell vineyards.
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Barrel Aging: 16 months in American oak
Alcohol: 14.3%
pH: 3.60
Total Acidity: .615g/100ml
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
1x 2018 Pedroncelli Signature Selection Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
1x 2018 Pedroncelli Alto Vineyards Sangiovese, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
1x 2017 Pedroncelli Barrel Select Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley
1x 2017 Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
1x 2018 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
1x 2018 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Case:
2x 2018 Pedroncelli Signature Selection Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
2x 2018 Pedroncelli Alto Vineyards Sangiovese, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
2x 2017 Pedroncelli Barrel Select Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley
2x 2017 Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
2x 2018 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
2x 2018 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, 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.
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, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@rjquillin@Winedavid49 If only David would space out the amazing offers, my tiny house could accommodate all that is coming my way. Excited about the Sangiovese and the Cab Franc.
@klezman@rjquillin Just make a temporary coffee table out of them and then slowly drink away. Just think, you won’t even have to get up to get another bottle! Can you imagine how many cases you would need to make an eight person dining table? Problem solved.
@Allieroon@klezman
I like this, SWMBO, likely not so much.
Don’t think I have enough room in the house for the number of tables I’d have to create tho…
TL:DR it’s a mixed case of Pedroncelli, so just push the button and get on with your weekend!
I’m going to have to put Alice on my Christmas gift list. Email on Wednesday, wine rerouted from Ohio to Texas to meet me after pulling a travel trailer 20 hours to catch up with my family after a 1 year Covid related moratorium on travel, wine was delivered at noon Friday, opened at 5, family gathered for a tasting at 7, after the wee ones were put to bed.
It’s Pedroncelli, is there a ‘mate out there who hasn’t bought fewer than, say 3 cases? I doubt it. These reviews write themselves.
Did I mention the brown box was a little bigger than the usual rat package? There were 2 bottles this time. A 2018 RRV Pinot Noir and a 2018 DCV Mother Clone Zinfandel. Alice’s Christmas gift prospects are improving.
2018 Pedroncelli Signature Selection Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
The Pinot was a young wine, pale cranberry color, transparent, no sediment, screw cap. Pomegranate, earth, cherries on the nose. The bouquet was clearly present, but did not fill the air. Light body. My son-in-law, a bourbon drinker, noted a “darky tart fruit, like a plum”, as well as cherries on the palate. I felt the tannins and acidity were medium and balanced, but rather than finesse, the bright acidity gave a spicy note, moving into a moderate length finish. UC Davis 14.5, a nice wine.
2018 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
The Zinfandel is also a young wine, little staining on the cork, medium purple color, transparent, no sediment. Nose of cherry and blackberries. Full bodied. The palate is “very berry”, “spicy like a blackberry pie.” Only a little bramble is noted. Moderate plus acidity and tannins in balance, a long finish with some vanilla and oak. UC Davis 15, a nice wine.
These wines are enjoyable as a cocktail and most certainly would complement food given the tannins and acidity.
Half bottles remain, I hope to update later this weekend.
Thanks again for the opportunity to rat. Enjoy the holidays and be safe.
Button pushed.
TL:DR It’s a Pedroncelli mixed red case. 'Nuf said!
I got an email from Alice this past Tuesday afternoon asking if I was “…available to Lab Rat…” Lab Rat? Oh joy! “…a couple of bottles for this Saturday.” Two bottles? Double joy!! Then I saw the UPS information on Wednesday said “PEDRONCAB+SANGIO” – double plus joy joy!!! Mr. Brown dropped the bottles of early Thursday afternoon, and I put them in the wine fridge for a day and opened them on late Friday afternoon. We had already invited some friends over (for BBQ chicken) so when they arrived I informed them that they were also reporting for Lab Rat duty.
For the sake of brevity, I decided to combine the pictures:
I opened the bottles a couple of hours before dinner and did an initial taste on opening, then revisited during dinner preparations and dinner. Our friends (“A” and “D”) had them before and during dinner; “A” likes red wines, but “D” usually drinks whites.
2018 Pedroncelli Alto Vineyards Sangiovese
It was bright red in the glass, quite clear, and very slow forming long legs. At first sniff I detected cherries and some alcohol (the alcohol diminished as the wine opened up). There was tart cherry, some vanilla, and spiciness on the palate, notable acid. It is a bit of a lighter red, but very tasty. “A” pronounced it a “10” (on a 1-10 scale). “D” also enjoyed it through the evening (she turned down my offer to open a white for her).
2017 Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a medium bodied cabernet, definitely darker than the sangiovese but not as deep as some cabs. I got dark fruits on the nose and palate, and some herbal notes also came into play. It has a bit more tartness than many cabs, making something better paired with food. It smoothed out as the evening progressed.
I recorked the bottles and left them on the counter to revisit as appropriate.
The 2017 Three Vineyards Cab appeared in some past mixed cases (9/7/2020 and 4/25/2020). I think this is the first time for the 2018 Sangiovese, but the 2016 was part of the 3/15/2020 mix.
Once again, (double!) thanks to Casemates for the opportunity to try these. Now to go push the buy button.
@canonizer You can request FedEx or UPS hold it at a service center , if you live near by to one. FedEx and UPS have also designated retail pick up locations. That might work!?
We were very excited when I saw where the labrat bottles were coming from. Before I got into the review, Pedroncelli is an auto-buy for me. I think they consistently deliver high quality reds at a reasonable price. I’m in for two cases on this one, as we’re filling out a big new wine cellar.
I was even more excited when I opened the package from UPS and saw that we had received the cab franc and the petite sirah. I’ve never had either of these from Pedroncelli, and generally enjoy both varietals.
2017 Pedroncelli Barrel Select Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley
I’m a huge fan of the cab franc included here. It has a good balance overall, with a very bright acidity. There’s just enough cherry on it that I feel like I’m drinking a typical cab franc, without it being overpowering. It has a very typical cab franc flavor profile, which I mean as a compliment. There’s a little hint of vanilla on the nose. I’d happy buy a straight up case of just this bottle. My wife also agreed that she liked this more than the petite sirah, and she’s generally not as into them as I am. For me that’s a resounding endorsement.
2018 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
The petite sirah was also very good, though I think because we had the cab franc first I didn’t get as much out of it. I’ll have some again later today and may update after that depending on what time it is. Generally I’m also a fan of petite sirah, and I’m happy to see this in the case. It’s a lot bigger and more full bodied than the cab franc, which I’d expect. Much stronger legs. The petite sirah borders on astringent, which I don’t totally mind, but I’d love to have given this bottle more time to rest, especially after shipping. I’d expect it to open up a bit more after some time to breathe as well, but we didn’t have a chance to do that. Pretty strong oak/vanilla on the nose. Big fruit coming out of it and chocolate/graphite tones. It falls into that category of big full bodied CA petite sirah, but much more well crafted than some of the comparably priced ones I’ve had.
I’m happy that this is in this mixed case, but I’ll plan on sitting on these a bit longer than the other bottles, assuming I can keep my hands off of it.
@rjquillin And Scott Harvey. We had a bottle of his 2007 Old Vine Reserve Amador County Zin for National Zinfandel Day this past Wednesday, and it was spectacular.
@FritzCat@radiolysis Im reading these comments and we must be brothers from another mother or sisters from another mister ? I put a nice dent in my Wellington but don’t have much Pedroncelli. Interestingly, Friday I opened the Petit Syrah Pedroncelli made a special version of for that other former online wine seller it was the bottle with arcade video game on it. I told my family how these great wineries made special bottles each year. It was still drinking great think I have 1 left.
Anyway enough gab, better order before it sells out.
@FritzCat@radiolysis@rpstrong I still have a decent amount of the Revelry Blend. I do miss the special holiday offerings they had good wine in a funny cool bottle. I made a display out of the Consumerus bottle that I put out on my bar each Christmas
I’m not sure how Ed consistently does this, but we were getting low on Peds. Although secretly I was hoping their Merlot was in this mix, as we finished our last delicious bottle this week- but nonetheless, this is a definite “YES”!
/giphy patriotic-excitable-skunk
@RedwineO Pro tip: you do have a short time window during which you can edit (or deleter) your post. The gliphy (if any) will display a new image when you re-save your message - this can be handy if you’re not too thrilled with the one you have.
And in for one - just thoroughly enjoyed a '16 Cab Franc from a mixed case that was offered a year ago.
just took delivery last week of two cases of Pedroncelli as my wine club purchase…gonna have to rearrange the cellar to fit in two more cases. Good drinking ahead!
Irony - Oh look free shipping. guess I will upgrade from 6 bottles to a case. SWMBO will not be happy, but I will ply her with some older Pedroncelli… that should help
@TheOther1 Mine have been sitting in Lathrop, CA with a “Check back tomorrow for an updated delivery date” notice for the past few days. UPS is seriously tapped out, capacity-wise right now. Last week they temporarily stopped taking shipments entirely from Nike, LL Bean, NewEgg, and three other major customers because of capacity constraints. I suspect we’re going to see additional extended warehousing of shipments through the holidays as they try to continue to manage the flow through their network.
Mine had a “damaged at hub” note on Monday then UPS said repacked and being delivered, it showed up Wednesday minus the two bottles of Petite Sirah with no signs of damage to the rest or the box. CS gave me a $25 refund but the main reason I bought the case was for the PS.
Filed a claim with UPS, they are now saying my claim does not have enough detail about the contents so denied the claim. UGH. They are however doing a package search but I have lost faith and not sure what to do next. Happen to anyone else. What other detail should I add to the claim when “12bottles of red wine from Pedroncelli” was not a good enough description? Oh also the form ran out of characters for me to put bottle by bottle. Thanks.
2018 Pedroncelli Signature Selection Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Vinyard Notes
Specs
2018 Pedroncelli Alto Vineyards Sangiovese, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Vinyard Notes
Specs
2017 Pedroncelli Barrel Select Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes
Vinyard Notes
Specs
2017 Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Vinyard Notes
Specs
2018 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Vineyard Notes
Specs
2018 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Vineyard Notes
Specs
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$238.40 at Pedroncelli Winery & Vineyards for 2x 2018 Pedroncelli Signature Selection Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, 2x 2018 Pedroncelli Alto Vineyards Sangiovese, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, 2x 2017 Pedroncelli Barrel Select Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley, 2x 2017 Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, 2x 2018 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, 2x 2018 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
About The Winery
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, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Dec 14 - Wednesday, Dec 16
Pedroncelli Mixed Reds
6 bottles for $74.99 $12.50/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $139.99 $11.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2018 Pinot Noir
2018 Sangiovese
2017 Cabernet Franc
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
2018 Zinfandel
2018 Petite Sirah
@ilCesare @msten @Mark_L @rmm989
Bravo Lab Rats, all accounted for with no missing or broken bottles and a yeoman’s job from Cesare, as always
Anyone in the Twin Cities area want to split a case?
@kawichris650 Me! Me! Pick me!
What an interesting selection! It is a terrific variety. If anyone is on the fence, buy, buy, buy.
@danandlisa Two case buy-buy-buy
@rjquillin @Winedavid49 If only David would space out the amazing offers, my tiny house could accommodate all that is coming my way. Excited about the Sangiovese and the Cab Franc.
@rjquillin Where you going to put two more cases?!
@klezman That is the issue…
@klezman @rjquillin Just make a temporary coffee table out of them and then slowly drink away. Just think, you won’t even have to get up to get another bottle! Can you imagine how many cases you would need to make an eight person dining table?
Problem solved. 
@Allieroon @klezman
I like this, SWMBO, likely not so much.
Don’t think I have enough room in the house for the number of tables I’d have to create tho…
TL:DR it’s a mixed case of Pedroncelli, so just push the button and get on with your weekend!
I’m going to have to put Alice on my Christmas gift list. Email on Wednesday, wine rerouted from Ohio to Texas to meet me after pulling a travel trailer 20 hours to catch up with my family after a 1 year Covid related moratorium on travel, wine was delivered at noon Friday, opened at 5, family gathered for a tasting at 7, after the wee ones were put to bed.
It’s Pedroncelli, is there a ‘mate out there who hasn’t bought fewer than, say 3 cases? I doubt it. These reviews write themselves.
Did I mention the brown box was a little bigger than the usual rat package? There were 2 bottles this time. A 2018 RRV Pinot Noir and a 2018 DCV Mother Clone Zinfandel. Alice’s Christmas gift prospects are improving.
2018 Pedroncelli Signature Selection Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
The Pinot was a young wine, pale cranberry color, transparent, no sediment, screw cap. Pomegranate, earth, cherries on the nose. The bouquet was clearly present, but did not fill the air. Light body. My son-in-law, a bourbon drinker, noted a “darky tart fruit, like a plum”, as well as cherries on the palate. I felt the tannins and acidity were medium and balanced, but rather than finesse, the bright acidity gave a spicy note, moving into a moderate length finish. UC Davis 14.5, a nice wine.
2018 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
The Zinfandel is also a young wine, little staining on the cork, medium purple color, transparent, no sediment. Nose of cherry and blackberries. Full bodied. The palate is “very berry”, “spicy like a blackberry pie.” Only a little bramble is noted. Moderate plus acidity and tannins in balance, a long finish with some vanilla and oak. UC Davis 15, a nice wine.
These wines are enjoyable as a cocktail and most certainly would complement food given the tannins and acidity.
Half bottles remain, I hope to update later this weekend.
Thanks again for the opportunity to rat. Enjoy the holidays and be safe.
Button pushed.
@msten Thank you for the great report, especially after the long drive. All Christmas bribes will be accepted.
My last set of Pedroncelli reds from CM were all winners. In for a case. Cheers!
/giphy numb-neon-beggar
Is there ever really a question with Pedroncelli?
Boom!
/giphy feathered-radical-doctor
@javadrinker youdaman!
Great variety! Love Pedroncelli! Definitely in for a case maybe 2!
Pedroncelli is Italian for QPR. Autobuy! The question is, 1 case or 2?
@knlprez
/giphy mighty-sparkling-book
Autobuy, SIWBM be damned!
We just moved. I have boxes everywhere… What’s another box or two, right? Love Pedroncelli. They were an autobuy in the old days before casemates.
TL:DR It’s a Pedroncelli mixed red case. 'Nuf said!
I got an email from Alice this past Tuesday afternoon asking if I was “…available to Lab Rat…” Lab Rat? Oh joy! “…a couple of bottles for this Saturday.” Two bottles? Double joy!! Then I saw the UPS information on Wednesday said “PEDRONCAB+SANGIO” – double plus joy joy!!! Mr. Brown dropped the bottles of early Thursday afternoon, and I put them in the wine fridge for a day and opened them on late Friday afternoon. We had already invited some friends over (for BBQ chicken) so when they arrived I informed them that they were also reporting for Lab Rat duty.
For the sake of brevity, I decided to combine the pictures:
I opened the bottles a couple of hours before dinner and did an initial taste on opening, then revisited during dinner preparations and dinner. Our friends (“A” and “D”) had them before and during dinner; “A” likes red wines, but “D” usually drinks whites.
2018 Pedroncelli Alto Vineyards Sangiovese
It was bright red in the glass, quite clear, and very slow forming long legs. At first sniff I detected cherries and some alcohol (the alcohol diminished as the wine opened up). There was tart cherry, some vanilla, and spiciness on the palate, notable acid. It is a bit of a lighter red, but very tasty. “A” pronounced it a “10” (on a 1-10 scale). “D” also enjoyed it through the evening (she turned down my offer to open a white for her).
2017 Pedroncelli Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a medium bodied cabernet, definitely darker than the sangiovese but not as deep as some cabs. I got dark fruits on the nose and palate, and some herbal notes also came into play. It has a bit more tartness than many cabs, making something better paired with food. It smoothed out as the evening progressed.
I recorked the bottles and left them on the counter to revisit as appropriate.
The 2017 Three Vineyards Cab appeared in some past mixed cases (9/7/2020 and 4/25/2020). I think this is the first time for the 2018 Sangiovese, but the 2016 was part of the 3/15/2020 mix.
Once again, (double!) thanks to Casemates for the opportunity to try these. Now to go push the buy button.
/giphy snobbish-operatic-orca
@Mark_L Thank you for the fine review. Hey you know it’s good when a white wine drinker doesn’t need to revert back to a white.
Not much room, but have been waiting for a mixed reds offering. And appreciate the nice pricing on even the 6-bottle version!
/giphy laboring-meticulous-pan
Sad to miss this. Moving in December and not sure how i would receive.
@canonizer
Same.
@canonizer You can request FedEx or UPS hold it at a service center , if you live near by to one. FedEx and UPS have also designated retail pick up locations. That might work!?
@elocin_oco moving States. it just strikes me as too complicated.
@canonizer Moving states does complicate it a bit! Ah, well. There is always another great wine coming. Good luck with your move!
/giphy quilled-obsolete-imp
Auto Buy. Had the Mother Clone Zin last night. Love every Pedroncelli I have tried.
/giphy factual-fixed-firefly
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations) Pedroncelli Mixed Reds - $10 = 6.65%
Auto buy. Dammit Alice you’ve cost me a grand already this month!
/giphy motionless-quiet-nacho
@pete0744 lol, think of all the money you have been saving all year by not going anywhere or doing anything.
We were very excited when I saw where the labrat bottles were coming from. Before I got into the review, Pedroncelli is an auto-buy for me. I think they consistently deliver high quality reds at a reasonable price. I’m in for two cases on this one, as we’re filling out a big new wine cellar.
I was even more excited when I opened the package from UPS and saw that we had received the cab franc and the petite sirah. I’ve never had either of these from Pedroncelli, and generally enjoy both varietals.
2017 Pedroncelli Barrel Select Cabernet Franc, Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley
I’m a huge fan of the cab franc included here. It has a good balance overall, with a very bright acidity. There’s just enough cherry on it that I feel like I’m drinking a typical cab franc, without it being overpowering. It has a very typical cab franc flavor profile, which I mean as a compliment. There’s a little hint of vanilla on the nose. I’d happy buy a straight up case of just this bottle. My wife also agreed that she liked this more than the petite sirah, and she’s generally not as into them as I am. For me that’s a resounding endorsement.
2018 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
The petite sirah was also very good, though I think because we had the cab franc first I didn’t get as much out of it. I’ll have some again later today and may update after that depending on what time it is. Generally I’m also a fan of petite sirah, and I’m happy to see this in the case. It’s a lot bigger and more full bodied than the cab franc, which I’d expect. Much stronger legs. The petite sirah borders on astringent, which I don’t totally mind, but I’d love to have given this bottle more time to rest, especially after shipping. I’d expect it to open up a bit more after some time to breathe as well, but we didn’t have a chance to do that. Pretty strong oak/vanilla on the nose. Big fruit coming out of it and chocolate/graphite tones. It falls into that category of big full bodied CA petite sirah, but much more well crafted than some of the comparably priced ones I’ve had.
I’m happy that this is in this mixed case, but I’ll plan on sitting on these a bit longer than the other bottles, assuming I can keep my hands off of it.
@rmm989 Thank you for reviewing, I was especially eager to hear about the Cab Franc.
Auto buy from me with this winery
Mixed cases rock!
/giphy legal-lockable-chocolate
@losthighwayz Lookin cool, dawg!
Yaaaaaaaay!
/giphy four-addicting-curtain
Definitely in for two cases of this!!!
/giphy trained-actual-park
In for two. Coworker doesn’t know it yet, but he’s splitting with me.
@TechnoViking office mates make the best casemates!
/giphy hopeless-sinister-knot
/giphy roasted-flecked-puma
Here’s my problem with Pedroncelli wines… The price makes it a cellar defender, but the aging ability makes it worth stashing away!
@radiolysis I’ve got Pedroncelli (and Wellington) all over the place, so I can drink old or new…whenever.
@FritzCat @radiolysis Don’t forget WineSmith.
@radiolysis The fact that I really like them aged for several to 15+ years means I end up holding them for a long time!
@rjquillin And Scott Harvey. We had a bottle of his 2007 Old Vine Reserve Amador County Zin for National Zinfandel Day this past Wednesday, and it was spectacular.
We already have a theme going of Wellington Wednesdays. Perhaps we should start having Scott Harvey Saturdays haha.
@FritzCat @radiolysis Im reading these comments and we must be brothers from another mother or sisters from another mister ? I put a nice dent in my Wellington but don’t have much Pedroncelli. Interestingly, Friday I opened the Petit Syrah Pedroncelli made a special version of for that other former online wine seller it was the bottle with arcade video game on it. I told my family how these great wineries made special bottles each year. It was still drinking great think I have 1 left.
Anyway enough gab, better order before it sells out.
@forlich @FritzCat @radiolysis That was the 2014 Woot Cellars Bonus Level, which I had the pleasure of ratting on. I’m still sitting on three bottles.
@FritzCat @radiolysis @rpstrong
@FritzCat @radiolysis @rpstrong I still have a decent amount of the Revelry Blend. I do miss the special holiday offerings they had good wine in a funny cool bottle. I made a display out of the Consumerus bottle that I put out on my bar each Christmas
@forlich @FritzCat @radiolysis Love the label.
@rpstrong I have two bottles of the Bonus Level that i’m saving (hopefully) for another decade. I think the PS in this set will endure a similar fate.
@radiolysis @rpstrong I’m nowhere close to wanting to drink the Bonus Level yet! Next one (number 2 of 5) probably in another year or so.
@forlich @radiolysis Didn’t know that was a Pedroncelli. I’m sure I have a couple left.
@klezman @radiolysis @rpstrong loved the bonus level.
@forlich @FritzCat @radiolysis Yes, look at the bottom of the back label (as I recall).
@forlich @radiolysis @rpstrong Yes indeed, Pedroncelli. My most abundant Woot Cellars Wine with 4 remaining. Good fortune smiles upon me.
I’m not sure how Ed consistently does this, but we were getting low on Peds. Although secretly I was hoping their Merlot was in this mix, as we finished our last delicious bottle this week- but nonetheless, this is a definite “YES”!
/giphy patriotic-excitable-skunk
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Because Pedroncelli, split with a friend.
/giphy burgeoning-late-low
Thanks Ed, excited to try those that I haven’t had before!
/giphy adhesive-chunky-flight
No Indiana??
@StellaDarling I’m in chicago if you want to drive up.
@pete0744 Thank you Pete! A bit far for me though. Appreciate the offer
Happened to be drinking the Sangiovese when I saw this.
/giphy knobby-adherent-guide
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Yes please!!!
/giphy gross-touching-salami
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/giphy radical-known-swan
No need to think about it. Pedroncelli never lasts long at my house. It’s a crowd pleaser.
[Giphy][skillful-mature-margarita]
@RedwineO LOL…today I learned about slash commands, now if I could only figure out how to remove this!
@RedwineO Pro tip: you do have a short time window during which you can edit (or deleter) your post. The gliphy (if any) will display a new image when you re-save your message - this can be handy if you’re not too thrilled with the one you have.
And in for one - just thoroughly enjoyed a '16 Cab Franc from a mixed case that was offered a year ago.
/giphy spotted-blurry-beggar
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In for 2 cases, Merry Christmas to me.
/giphy short-unattractive-kiwi
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/giphy nosy-textual-artichoke
DAMN you Jim errrr WINEDAVID
Love Pedroncelli. Good offer!
Well then…
/giphy goofy-satisfied-jam
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just took delivery last week of two cases of Pedroncelli as my wine club purchase…gonna have to rearrange the cellar to fit in two more cases. Good drinking ahead!
/giphy glittering-accidental-competition
I must admit that I’m somewhat surprised that this has not been a sellout.
@Mark_L There’s still time. I was thinking sell-out from the start.
I ordered a case yesterday. I thought about it some more, and ordered another case today.
@moondigger LOL, I did that with another offer recently. With this one, I was self-aware enough to order 2 right off the bat.
/spiffy-courteous-tortellini always an auto buy. Too good to pass up!
@lannycohorn OMG I love tortellini! https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tortellini-comfort-food-in-any-language/
Irony - Oh look free shipping. guess I will upgrade from 6 bottles to a case. SWMBO will not be happy, but I will ply her with some older Pedroncelli… that should help
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/giphy finicky-ardent-crook
Shipped 5th, sitting in IL for 3 days now…
@TheOther1 Shipped and no idea where it is sitting as mine just says “Delay” in UPS.
@wmhatch If UPS were a person, I’d punch them in the face…
@TheOther1 Mine have been sitting in Lathrop, CA with a “Check back tomorrow for an updated delivery date” notice for the past few days. UPS is seriously tapped out, capacity-wise right now. Last week they temporarily stopped taking shipments entirely from Nike, LL Bean, NewEgg, and three other major customers because of capacity constraints. I suspect we’re going to see additional extended warehousing of shipments through the holidays as they try to continue to manage the flow through their network.
@xandersherry doesn’t make me feel any better that my wine is lonely in a warehouse when it could be with friends here!
Six days and counting without any movement of this box. I get being busy, this is unacceptable.
Both of my cases, ordered separately, arrived together yesterday.
@moondigger you are very lucky and I am very jealous!
Mine had a “damaged at hub” note on Monday then UPS said repacked and being delivered, it showed up Wednesday minus the two bottles of Petite Sirah with no signs of damage to the rest or the box.
CS gave me a $25 refund but the main reason I bought the case was for the PS.
@catcoland @winedavid49 @wccwinegirl @pedroncellifarm
You may want to rattle any/all of the above, the '18 PS is showing stock with Pedroncelli so should be available.
@rjquillin @WCCWineGirl @Winedavid49 @pedroncellifam
Thanks @rjquillin. I haven’t received the refund yet & I’d much rather have 2 bottles of Pedroncelli 2018 PS than $25! Any chance of that, powers that be?
Should I be concerned my case is sitting in a hot, enclosed trailer somewhere between california and Florida?
Filed a claim with UPS, they are now saying my claim does not have enough detail about the contents so denied the claim. UGH. They are however doing a package search but I have lost faith and not sure what to do next. Happen to anyone else. What other detail should I add to the claim when “12bottles of red wine from Pedroncelli” was not a good enough description? Oh also the form ran out of characters for me to put bottle by bottle. Thanks.
The day after filing the claim they “Found” the case and delivered it to me. YAY!