2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes
Aromas of dark ripe berries, dried herbs and earthy notes introduce this medium bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Round tannins are framed by cherry, plum and blackberry fruit followed by highlights of oregano and mocha. Great structure and good acidity combine with a lingering, spicy finish. Enjoy upon release or cellar up to ten more years.
Vineyard Notes
Estate fruit was harvested from the northern end of Dry Creek Valley, where these Bordeaux varieties excel. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot were hand-picked just a mile from the winery. Each 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 Notes
The vintage of 2018 was a good one with plenty of rain to start followed by a mild summer which slowed the ripening of the grapes for an even-handed growing season. This gives the fruit excellent development. Harvest of the Bordeaux grapes began on September 19 and finished on October 9. Because the grapes had a slow maturity the result is rounded tannins and elevated flavors and aromas.
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 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 30% new French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.69
Total Acidity: .600g/100ml
2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
There’s a fragrant bouquet of red cherry, dried herbs and black pepper spice followed by flavors of red fruits, spicy oak notes, cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg all coming together nicely. The rounded tannins frame the zesty finish and is accented by toasted oak notes.
Vineyard 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 complement the Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux blend. We make this small lot wine so this varietal can shine on its’ own. The vineyard is sustainably farmed, hand pruned and hand harvested.
Vintage & Winemaking Notes
The year began with plenty of rain giving the vines much needed water. Summer was cooler with no prolonged heat. The cooler temperatures slowed the ripening of the grapes while providing great development during season. The resulting wine has a greater level of rounded tannins, flavors and aromas. The crushed grapes were transferred to the fermentation tank to cold soak for 24 hours and then inoculated with selected yeast. Daily pump-overs give the wine maximum phenolic extraction. Transferred to French oak barrels for 15 months with 30% new oak. Combined with the additional time in oak the tannins are softened and complex layers are developed in the finished wine.
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Estate Vineyards
Barrel Aging: 15 months new (30%) and seasoned French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.2%
pH: 3.60
Total Acidity: .570g/100ml
2019 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red 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 an outstanding example.
From the fruit forward aromas to the lingering flavors, Sonoma Classico blends the characteristics of each grape seamlessly: ripe dark berries with floral and toasty notes in the nose and cherry and plum flavors. A medium bodied blend, there is an underlying structure of rounded tannins bringing balance along with a pleasant and fruit forward 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 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.
Vineyard & Cellar Notes
2019 was a cool and extended growing season and with cool night temperatures during harvest allowing the grapes to mature at a slower pace, accumulating flavors and retaining acidity. Depending on variety the fruit was picked between September 13 and October 2nd. Small lots were chosen in order to bring site specific qualities into focus within the blend.
Barrel aging took place over 10 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.
Specs
Vintage: 2019
Composition: A proprietary blend of Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Aging: 10 months in American Oak barrels, 20% new
Alcohol: 14.4%
pH: 3.78
Total Acidity: .555g/100ml
What’s Included
6-bottles:
2x 2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
2x 2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
2x 2019 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Case:
4x 2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
4x 2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
4x 2019 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend, 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, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
The last selection (Nov 2020) of 6 Pedroncelli varieties knocked it out of the park, especially the 2017 Cabernet Franc, so I’m very interested to see the rattage on these.
the Three Vineyards from tastings.com:
2/11/2021. 93 Points.
Gold Medal. Exceptional. $20 Best Buy. Cellar Selection
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of almond bark, cinnamon-spiced chocolate, bananas, leather, and plums with a chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, subtle, long finish displaying accents of spiced nuts and hints of cola with moderate oak flavor. A rich, Bordeaux-like Cabernet that satisfies; chewy, dry and deliciously complex.
Enjoy:Now-3 years on its own and with food
and the Cab Franc from tastings.com:
2/10/2021 93 Points.
Gold Medal. Exceptional. $20 Best Buy. Cellar Selection
Rich violet color. Aromas and flavors of damson plum, vanilla-violet pastilles, red peppers, plump olives, tarragon, and dark chocolate with a lightly tannic, vibrant, medium-full body and a warming, involved, long finish that exhibits notes of cedar and spice cabinet with moderate oak flavor. A bold, chewy, highly satisfying Cabernet Franc with great varietal character and elegant style.
Enjoy:Now-3 years on its own and with food
June 29, 2021 Dwight Furrow
I published a brief note about this wine when reviewing Pedroncelli’s new releases. But I wanted to return to it and give it some focused attention. It’s really a lovely wine.
Bewitching aromas of sweet red cherry and red current, hints of espresso bean, tarragon, and clove are highlights against a light toast background.
The palate opens with a a supple layer of fruit on a medium frame, resting on beautifully rendered tannins that give the wine strength for its brisk flight into mineral skies. The finish is medium length, the tannins now swelling to bond with crisp acidity enveloping still vibrant fruit. The firm, textured mouthfeel, energetic evolution, and exquisite balance make this irresistible.
A wine of gentle exuberance, it flows with the graceful ease and deft energy of Steely Dan’s Peg.
Notes: Pedroncelli is still family owned and in business since 1927, a fixture in the history of the Sonoma Valley. 2018 was a relatively cool vintage. 24 hours of cold soak before fermentation with commercial yeast. 15 months on 30% new French oak.
Review based on an industry sample
Score: 92
@kaolis@rjquillin@ScottW58
Dwight is friends with Clark (and a regular on Clark’s Friday Evening Zoom). He’s working with Clark on a book on pairing wine with music. I haven’t been on the Zoom for a while…they must be close to finished (or it may already have been released).
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018-2019 Pedroncelli Mixed Reds - $15 = 9.37%
@klezman
You being the two of us? (@kaolis )
I’ve got Peds going back to the’60s, and well know how much more than just a few years can add to them.
Sorry. We had an issue with licensing…actually, we had a problem with someone who was doing our compliance. Send a note to colin@pedroncelli.com. When the license activates we’ll honor this offer direct.
Hey all. I’m living the life with some buddies in North Lake Tahoe…to tell you these wines are not part of the weekend might be a bit misleading. I love to read the comments of “wait 3-5 years”. I’ve gone through some stuff recently that makes me realize waiting is futile. (Plus I’m a little used to higher acid wines.)
Our wines are always a little tight early on…so decant them or run them through a venturi–you won’t offend me. Check out Julie’s recipes on our website. She gives dozens of ideas of what to serve with the wines. If you have a cellar and want to invest in some wines that will delight you in a few years I’d highly recommend this set.
Push the button. You won’t be disappointed. And if you are, post something here. You will be publicly shamed beyond anything you can imagine. And I’ll just let our fans explain the rules. Cheers! I’ll try to check in later…but if slurring on a keyboard is a thing, I might master it!
Boy I was torn to change the giphy… but y’know, all these great wines are killin’ my CC, so going to keep with crazed giphy, its how I feel about yet another case I can’t fit into the wine rack. ugh. In for a case because I know if I don’t i will regret it when I run out of Pedroncelli later
I must admit, I would have thought this discussion would have been off the chains being a pedroncelli offering! I’m shocked to only see 30 posts on the first day.
I love all of these, but just about out of room, and the wife is about out of patience. My order of Bergevin Lane Linen Red Wine has supposedly been at the local UPS hub since Thursday, and is still being “processed” with no delivery date. If processing means they are drinking it, I’d be on this quick.
@finewiner These tend to need a bit of time. I got the “Cheer From Over Here” on meh.com last December, mostly for gifts. I found a few bottles last month, and gave it another try. Last year it was good, but nothing really special. The difference after 10 months or so was amazing.
Ordered a case. Do I need a second? Ugh decisions. Say this while drinking one of my last Wellington early victories. So sad to see them go but they need to be opened. Still have a signed magnum and 750:) Drinking Wellington-reminds me if my many visits there and the great times.
Okay, last minute caving, especially reading the notes about keeping them cellared for a while, which helps justify the case…
/giphy madly-festering-maid
2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes
Vineyard Notes
Winemaking Notes
Specs
2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Vineyard Notes
Vintage & Winemaking Notes
Specs
2019 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Vineyard & Cellar Notes
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$230.40/Case at Pedroncelli Winery & Vineyards for 4x 2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, 4x 2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, 4x 2019 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend, 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, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Nov 15 - Monday, Nov 22
Pedroncelli Mixed Reds
6 bottles for $79.99 $13.33/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $144.99 $12.08/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards
2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select
2019 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend
Case for the coworker. Still thinking about how much I need…
@radiolysis and one more for me… or a split with said coworker… dunno… Two total on order, regardless.
The last selection (Nov 2020) of 6 Pedroncelli varieties knocked it out of the park, especially the 2017 Cabernet Franc, so I’m very interested to see the rattage on these.
The only question is whether I should buy a second case.
@rmm989 Isn’t Pedroncelli Italian for AutoBuy? In for two!
@rmm989 I’m sorry. What’s the question?
Hmmm…any reviews…well…
the Three Vineyards from tastings.com:
2/11/2021. 93 Points.
Gold Medal. Exceptional. $20 Best Buy. Cellar Selection
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of almond bark, cinnamon-spiced chocolate, bananas, leather, and plums with a chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, subtle, long finish displaying accents of spiced nuts and hints of cola with moderate oak flavor. A rich, Bordeaux-like Cabernet that satisfies; chewy, dry and deliciously complex.
Enjoy:Now-3 years on its own and with food
and the Cab Franc from tastings.com:
2/10/2021 93 Points.
Gold Medal. Exceptional. $20 Best Buy. Cellar Selection
Rich violet color. Aromas and flavors of damson plum, vanilla-violet pastilles, red peppers, plump olives, tarragon, and dark chocolate with a lightly tannic, vibrant, medium-full body and a warming, involved, long finish that exhibits notes of cedar and spice cabinet with moderate oak flavor. A bold, chewy, highly satisfying Cabernet Franc with great varietal character and elegant style.
Enjoy:Now-3 years on its own and with food
a little blurb here on the Three Vineyards:
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/wine-of-the-week-pedroncelli-2018-three-vineyards-dry-creek-valley-caber/
the Cab Franc again from Edible Arts/https://foodandwineaesthetics.com/(who?):
June 29, 2021 Dwight Furrow
I published a brief note about this wine when reviewing Pedroncelli’s new releases. But I wanted to return to it and give it some focused attention. It’s really a lovely wine.
Bewitching aromas of sweet red cherry and red current, hints of espresso bean, tarragon, and clove are highlights against a light toast background.
The palate opens with a a supple layer of fruit on a medium frame, resting on beautifully rendered tannins that give the wine strength for its brisk flight into mineral skies. The finish is medium length, the tannins now swelling to bond with crisp acidity enveloping still vibrant fruit. The firm, textured mouthfeel, energetic evolution, and exquisite balance make this irresistible.
A wine of gentle exuberance, it flows with the graceful ease and deft energy of Steely Dan’s Peg.
Notes: Pedroncelli is still family owned and in business since 1927, a fixture in the history of the Sonoma Valley. 2018 was a relatively cool vintage. 24 hours of cold soak before fermentation with commercial yeast. 15 months on 30% new French oak.
Review based on an industry sample
Score: 92
fwiw
@kaolis
I don’t know who Dwight is, but I like the analogy.
@kaolis @rjquillin
I don’t know how the wine tastes but if they are comparing it to Steely Dan it’s gotta be good
@kaolis @rjquillin @ScottW58
Dwight is friends with Clark (and a regular on Clark’s Friday Evening Zoom). He’s working with Clark on a book on pairing wine with music. I haven’t been on the Zoom for a while…they must be close to finished (or it may already have been released).
@kaolis @karenhynes @ScottW58
why does this not surprise me?
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2018-2019 Pedroncelli Mixed Reds - $15 = 9.37%
These are especially good 5-15 years from now. This is one where your patience truly will be rewarded.
@klezman @kalois reviewers: pfft.
@klezman @rjquillin just the messenger
@kaolis @klezman
Not
Those CT drinking windows are just as reliable.
@kaolis @rjquillin That’s why I didn’t tag you! No shooting the messenger allowed!
@klezman
You being the two of us? (@kaolis )
I’ve got Peds going back to the’60s, and well know how much more than just a few years can add to them.
/giphy redacted-innate-bear
Always buy Pedroncelli when it shows up, but now no NJ shipping? Today’s a sad day
Sorry. We had an issue with licensing…actually, we had a problem with someone who was doing our compliance. Send a note to colin@pedroncelli.com. When the license activates we’ll honor this offer direct.
@pedroncellifam
You still doing wine club pricing for woot, er 'mates as well?
@rjquillin We are! Just give Colin a call. 707-857-3531
@pedroncellifam
Amazing support you have given to this group over the years, that perhaps many don’t know about or appreciate.
Is this really Ed from Ped?
@pedroncellifam @rjquillin what does this mean? I just joined the wine club.when i visited last week…
@pienka @rjquillin for non-club members they enjoy club for a day benefits.
Hey all. I’m living the life with some buddies in North Lake Tahoe…to tell you these wines are not part of the weekend might be a bit misleading. I love to read the comments of “wait 3-5 years”. I’ve gone through some stuff recently that makes me realize waiting is futile. (Plus I’m a little used to higher acid wines.)
Our wines are always a little tight early on…so decant them or run them through a venturi–you won’t offend me. Check out Julie’s recipes on our website. She gives dozens of ideas of what to serve with the wines. If you have a cellar and want to invest in some wines that will delight you in a few years I’d highly recommend this set.
Push the button. You won’t be disappointed. And if you are, post something here. You will be publicly shamed beyond anything you can imagine. And I’ll just let our fans explain the rules. Cheers! I’ll try to check in later…but if slurring on a keyboard is a thing, I might master it!
@pedroncellifam wow, twist my arm sir + friends
Me and the Ms are camping and in for a case. We thought the order number was appropriate for our current living conditions.
But dinner was still steak and the Stokes Ghost Petit Syrah from a while ago
/giphy industrious-grimy-ground
/giphy frosty-safe-attraction
/giphy bent-paltry-flesh
/giphy beneficial-bashful-roadrunner
Boy I was torn to change the giphy… but y’know, all these great wines are killin’ my CC, so going to keep with crazed giphy, its how I feel about yet another case I can’t fit into the wine rack. ugh. In for a case because I know if I don’t i will regret it when I run out of Pedroncelli later
@outdoorslife but not to be confused with Wellington FOMO
I must admit, I would have thought this discussion would have been off the chains being a pedroncelli offering! I’m shocked to only see 30 posts on the first day.
I love all of these, but just about out of room, and the wife is about out of patience. My order of Bergevin Lane Linen Red Wine has supposedly been at the local UPS hub since Thursday, and is still being “processed” with no delivery date. If processing means they are drinking it, I’d be on this quick.
Anyone want to split in the Atlanta area?
@Springbank If lived near you I would give you mine I was not a fan at all. I will get 1-2 cases of this and stick with the classics.
@finewiner These tend to need a bit of time. I got the “Cheer From Over Here” on meh.com last December, mostly for gifts. I found a few bottles last month, and gave it another try. Last year it was good, but nothing really special. The difference after 10 months or so was amazing.
@Springbank Thanks, I really struggled with them and will hold the ones I have not given away;)
/giphy finished-rotten-tank
/giphy wide-gargantuan-decision
Ordered a case. Do I need a second? Ugh decisions. Say this while drinking one of my last Wellington early victories. So sad to see them go but they need to be opened. Still have a signed magnum and 750:) Drinking Wellington-reminds me if my many visits there and the great times.
Woot!
/giphy definite-obliging-truck
/giphy swift-snobby-warlord
Okay, last minute caving, especially reading the notes about keeping them cellared for a while, which helps justify the case…
/giphy madly-festering-maid
/giphy pleasing-addicted-crayfish
For a friend I will see in TX in December
/giphy overblown-jingly-digestion
For myself
/giphy united-heady-throne
/giphy distrustful-taunting-shrimp
