2020 Pedroncelli Merlot, Bench Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Aromas of dark red fruit and a touch of warm cooking spices. Flavors of cherry and plum are showcased with a vanilla oak toast. Medium-bodied with mild tannins follow through to a round and fruity finish. A beautifully balanced wine.
Bench Vineyards
The source for our Merlot comes from three vineyard blocks off our estate vineyard located along Dry Creek Road from vineyards planted over 5 years beginning in 1990. Bench Vineyards, thename chosen for this wine, describes the natural benches that flank Dry Creek Valley and rise gradually into the steep hills. Characterized by sloped topography and gravelly/rocky residual soils, the unique growing conditions combine to bring out the best in our Merlot.
Winemaker Notes
2020 brought a good growing season with a warm summer and even ripening. The grapes were picked over the last days of August based on maturity and acidity levels. A high concentration of phenols and aromatics highlights this vintage. The fruit was crushed into temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and cold-soaked for 48 hours. Daily pump-overs during the fermentation give a substantial increase in flavor and color. The young wine was transferred to small American oak barrels to age for 14 months in order to develop smoothness and complexity, giving the wine a subtle backbone of oak components with the judicial use of new oak.
Specs
Vintage: 2020
Varietal: Merlot
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Barrel Aging: 14 months in American Oak, 30% new
Alcohol: 13.7%
pH 3.63
Total Acidity: .630g/100ml
2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
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 toast notes. Great structure and good acidity combine with a long finish framed by toasted notes and spice. Enjoy upon release or cellar up to ten more years.
Three Vineyard Blend
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 develops 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 vintage of 2019 was off to a slow beginning with a good amount of rain from the winter kicking off the year. This was 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 separate blocks began on October 4 and finished on October 7. The extended season and hang time all resulted in more aromatics and deeper flavors.
Barrel Aging: 14 months in French oak with 30% new oak
Alcohol: 14.4%
pH 3.79
Total Acidity: .615g/100ml
2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
There’s a bouquet of dark berries, floral notes, and black pepper spice followed by flavors of dark fruits, some minerality, and bright acidity all integrating nicely. The rounded tannins frame the zesty finish and is accented by toasted oak and spicy notes.
Estate Vineyard
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 variety can shine on its own. The vineyard is sustainably farmed, hand-pruned, and hand-harvested.
Vintage Notes & Winemaking
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 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 16 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: 2019
Varietals: Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Barrel Aging: 16 months new (30%) and seasoned French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.1%
pH 3.59
Total Acidity: .615g/100ml
What’s Included
6-bottles:
2x 2020 Pedroncelli Merlot, Bench Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
2x 2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
2x 2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Case:
4x 2020 Pedroncelli Merlot, Bench Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
4x 2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
4x 2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select, 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, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@danandlisa@losthighwayz it is a pretty steep price increase on the site, but the SRP has also gone up a lot.
But then compare it to other Sonoma wines and it’s still pretty good value even at retail. Especially when you know how well these will age.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2019 Pedroncelli Mixed Reds - $20 = 10.00%
Dark, intense but clear color. This is already refreshing to see because contrary to what many would have you believe these days, a Cabernet is NOT opaque. Well unless it is chock full of additives and mega purple (Napa take note).
The nose is somewhat restrained. Warm. A dry, dark plum up front. Secondary notes of red, cherries, raspberries and even hints of strawberry jam. In the distant background, a touch of eucalyptus so faint you’d likely miss it. As it breathes it becomes less shy and develops an almost floral aromatic expression.
Body is nicely balanced front to back. Greeting with a gentle punch of acidity, this lends great tension up front as slightly under-ripe dark plum skins emerge. This is quickly followed by a corresponding dose of oak vanilla which immediately softens the crisp, fully integrated tannins and further elevates the berries while giving a playful character to an otherwise dry, serious wine. A great example of how you do it. This expression quickly dissipates across the palate leaving behind a sweet vanilla caramel over an ever precipitating crisp tannic grip.
I am not the least surprised. Over the years Pedroncelli has consistently garnered praise and recognition from every wine enthusiast I have met and talked Sonoma wine with. Cabernet Franc can be an abstract varietal not for everyone. This winemaker has done a great job of making a very approachable wine without compromising or over manipulating it. This is a great, well executed wine for all to enjoy. Nicely done Pedroncelli!
@benj seems like it was another life in another universe. How times have changed. $200 is the new case bargain. At least I can say Pedroncelli is most definitely still a bargain at the current price. Great quality.
@benj I hear you. Here’s how I look at it - the Martin Ray Napa Cab kept coming to mind when I looked at this wine. That wine was $199/case in 2020 and a bargain (pre extreme inflation). This wine (well the Cab Franc at least) is at least one notch above that.
For me, your point is a recurring theme and a sentiment I carry as I navigate the wine world. Times are changing and I hate to say, we likely won’t be seeing a $139/case Pedroncelli or Bergevin Lane again.
@benj a year and a half ago, organic chicken at Costco was < $3/lb. Now it’s > $5. EVERYTHING is more expensive now. (Even my favorite cheap pinot grigio from TJ’s has gone from $7/bottle to $11. Sigh.)
Politics aside, I wonder how much of this is ACTUAL inflation and how much is suppliers increasing prices due to perceived inflation. Regardless, I’m probably in for a case since I adore Cab Franc, but I am definitely making sacrifices in my food/wine shopping these days since MY income has increased exactly 0%.
I’ll be on the fence all weekend and most likely pull the trigger.
Where people complain about the price increase, I’ll actually make a different complaint.
The reason I attached to Pedroncelli and other makers on this site is due to the winery’s engagement in this forum and community. 2-3 years ago, Ped was quite present. I don’t think I’ve seen the winery poke their head and engaged with us for a few years.
This is why my loyalty of autobuy has lessoned here but remains strong for some others like Scott Harvey or Wine Smith.
@Drez143 I don’t think some winemakers understand that their participation, even answering a few questions, drives sales far more than labrats or nostalgia. I am not geek enough to ask some of the questions, but I appreciate others do.
I am curious when WD negotiates deals he points out the increased sales vs expected when the winery participates.
@Drez143 I feel like Ed shows up quite a bit still. Granted, I don’t check out every Ped offering and they are offered pretty regularly. Time will tell
@Drez143 As I said, I was on the fence all weekend and I just jumped on to pull the trigger for the case.
Then, I decided to check my previous purchases and saw that I ordered the case offering in July. Both Cab’s are 2019, where this Merlot is 2020 and that offering was also 2019.
I think I will sit out this mixed reds offering and have all of the same internal dilemma the next time it comes up!
@Drez143 I’m very sorry. I was on vacation when the offer hit and failed to have someone check in in my absence. We are going through massive (positive) changes with our systems at the winery and I ran out the door like my hair was on fire. As an aside, I’ve had a ton on my plate the last 18mos. I’ll do better in the future!!!
I think a lot of us were spoiled by the incredibly low prices this used to go for. Now it’s selling at about what others of similar quality are, and people are upset. I can understand that, but I think you better get used to it.
@Springbank EVERYTHING is more expensive, we all know that. It is no excuse to just say “everything is getting expensive get use to it” in response to questioning of the value.
I understand taxes, staff, etc. are all going up. However, that only makes us budget-strapped consumer care more for the gems and QPR.
Noting against Pedroncelli, I love them, but at this price, I would rather try a new wine.
@KNmeh7 I’m not making any excuse, just stating a fact. I’m retired on a fixed income and I always look for value. It was great while it lasted, and I have a case or more of Ped in the basement. At this price I’m looking for something else too.
@Springbank I’ve bought a couple of these and I don’t feel like the price is wholly unreasonable - but nevertheless I think what I am going to get used to is drinking less wine. Sadly I got sucked into the “how well it ages” thing as mentioned above, and because my OCD won’t allow me to not store a couple of each one in the libary, I am going to pass on any more mixed-case offerings for a while.
Late/early morning rattage as this wine was received earlier in the afternoon the day of the sale but could not taste until much later in the night.
Anywho, P&P wine presents itself tall dark and beautiful as one would expect from Pedroncelli wine. Full fragrance of sweet raspberries, bright red berries takes over the nose. First sip does not disappoint as the slight tartness of raspberries wraps around the tongue with well rounded med tannins to finish off.
Did not have a chance to see how this wine opens up, but it drank very well out of the bottle.
Though we may have been spoiled with lower prices before, this bottle is too good to pass up on this deal.
Ed is great. Pedroncelli is fantastic. Everything about this offer is wonderful except for the macro inflation (keeping my politics to myself). Gonna weigh this just a few minutes but guessing after I have another glass of vino I end up spending some money. Let’s be honest, anything from Pedroncelli is worthy of a purchase though.
Auto buy for now. The more Pedroncelli I buy the longer it sits and the better it tastes so I buy more. I am going to have to face reality soon and stop the loop of insanity… on the next one…
Autobuy, in for 2. Though the pricing has increased. Still a good deal. Pedroncelli is our favorite, and we buy it when we can. Now just to keep SWMBO from drinking it all before I get a chance to.
@WreckDiver As an extra, Pedroncelli is running their “12 days of Christmas” for case deals. The Zin case as $375+Tax and Shipping ($50 for non Club Ped members), and the Cab Case was $345+Tax and Shipping (again, $50 for non Club Ped members).
Yes, it’s getting expensive. EVERYTHING has skyrocketed in price. Our local winery (northern climate, 26 Acres of grapes) are charging $22/bottle and that’s near their “break even price” their real $$$ comes from their event space. Michigan is a VERY expensive place to grow grapes, but knowing what I know now??? Pricing for grapes has skyrocketed due to fuel costs, labor costs, and inflation. Be prepared to pay significantly more for a bottle of wine for the wine produced in 2021 and 2022…and probably moving forward.
@WreckDiver Maybe so - but then prepare for wineries to have more than they can sell and a resulting glut of wine that people won’t buy. Some wineries have enough dedication and price elasticity but most do not. Even for some of my favourites, when the price gets too high I feel like I have to move on to better value wines.
My understanding has always been the Ped offers are Italian for QPR at WW and Casemates prices and not taking their SRP into account. Based on they’re no longer a great QPR imo. I’d rather spend (which I did) on a case of DMR than this offer. I’m able to try a different wine from Napa that seems to have great pedigree for about the same price. I’d also prefer to give my business to the likes of Tercero who although a bit higher in price are boutique winemakers as opposed to Ped who I understand own the land are pretty well off. My perspective of course
@losthighwayz Not meaning to in any way insult the Pedroncelli wines I’ve had from here before, but I considered them fine everyday “default” $10-12 wines. I agree that “suggested retail” doesn’t really come into my equation of that, regardless of what is printed on a price list somewhere.
Now at approaching $20, I feel I can seek other things that will be more distinctive and not just an “autobuy” anymore. The personal touch and also unusual wines created at Tercero and Winesmith and Zeppelin offer something special that I will seek out (unless price jumps to $30-40 and then maybe I’ll pass on those too.)
The wild swings in the retail industry have created some real and some artificial price jumps. But also a lot of instability in the markets (wine as well as stock markets). I’m seeing more interesting stuff come back to Grocery Outlet (West Coast discount chain). For many years it was mostly just standard stuff, often bottled for them, like TJs does a lot of the time. But at times they would get closeouts, changed packaging, winery sold, vintages past mainstream retail target, etc. (not that different from some of the deals offered here at times.) And what’s nice is I can buy one bottle and decide if it’s really good (and if so, go back quickly and buy more because it might not last.)
@losthighwayz@pmarin I am stocked up on Pedroncelli, stocked up on Laura Michael and age worthy (or not) I’m glad I did.
Buy low, sell high. Happy Holidays!
@losthighwayz@pmarin@ttboy23 I generally agree with the points above.
However, the mitigating factor for me (if I had space to buy, which I don’t) is that I know if I let these sit for a decade or longer they will drink far far better than their price point. Even at $20. I’ve had some of these with 15+ or even 30+ years on them and they are excellent.
Comparing to Tercero is interesting, because he’s raised his prices pretty significantly in the last 2 years as well, with several of his bottles at or above the $50 mark.
@rjquillin Ah, thanks Ron. Sorry I was out of pocket. I was on Maui with my lovely bride and it completely slipped my mind that the offer was live. I’ll do better next time!
@pedroncellifam Great to hear those rumors are indeed exaggerated, nonetheless, you were greatly missed. Welcome back. Now how about digging into that cellar for some 20+ year old cab from the library for a Friday offer…
2020 Pedroncelli Merlot, Bench Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Bench Vineyards
Winemaker Notes
Specs
2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Three Vineyard Blend
Winemaking
Specs
2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Estate Vineyard
Vintage Notes & Winemaking
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$302.40/Case for 4x 2020 Pedroncelli Merlot, Bench Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County & 4x 2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County & 4x 2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County at Pedroncelli Wines
About The Winery
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, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Dec 12 - Thursday, Dec 15
Pedroncelli Mixed Reds
6 bottles for $109.99 $18.33/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2020 Pedroncelli Merlot, Bench Vineyard
2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards
2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc, Barrel Select
$200 for a case of Ped. No Brainer!
@jmdavidson1 agreed! Textbook quality wines!
No longer Italian for QPR though
@losthighwayz I agree. I get it, but I have boxes stacked in my hallway. I will most likely pass when once this was an auto buy.
@danandlisa @losthighwayz it is a pretty steep price increase on the site, but the SRP has also gone up a lot.
But then compare it to other Sonoma wines and it’s still pretty good value even at retail. Especially when you know how well these will age.
@klezman @losthighwayz I agree with you, but my limited aging storage is overfilled.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2019 Pedroncelli Mixed Reds - $20 = 10.00%
2019 Cabernet Franc by Pedroncelli, Sonoma County
Dark, intense but clear color. This is already refreshing to see because contrary to what many would have you believe these days, a Cabernet is NOT opaque. Well unless it is chock full of additives and mega purple (Napa take note).
The nose is somewhat restrained. Warm. A dry, dark plum up front. Secondary notes of red, cherries, raspberries and even hints of strawberry jam. In the distant background, a touch of eucalyptus so faint you’d likely miss it. As it breathes it becomes less shy and develops an almost floral aromatic expression.
Body is nicely balanced front to back. Greeting with a gentle punch of acidity, this lends great tension up front as slightly under-ripe dark plum skins emerge. This is quickly followed by a corresponding dose of oak vanilla which immediately softens the crisp, fully integrated tannins and further elevates the berries while giving a playful character to an otherwise dry, serious wine. A great example of how you do it. This expression quickly dissipates across the palate leaving behind a sweet vanilla caramel over an ever precipitating crisp tannic grip.
I am not the least surprised. Over the years Pedroncelli has consistently garnered praise and recognition from every wine enthusiast I have met and talked Sonoma wine with. Cabernet Franc can be an abstract varietal not for everyone. This winemaker has done a great job of making a very approachable wine without compromising or over manipulating it. This is a great, well executed wine for all to enjoy. Nicely done Pedroncelli!
Other casemate offerings that come to mind
@winesnob Great review and really gorgeous photos!
@mew5280 my pleasure. It’s always easy when it’s a great wine.
@winesnob well done, or is it done well…
@rjquillin cheers!
In April 2021 this same offering, in 2018 vintage, was $79.99 for 6 bottles and $139.99 for the case.
@benj seems like it was another life in another universe. How times have changed. $200 is the new case bargain. At least I can say Pedroncelli is most definitely still a bargain at the current price. Great quality.
@winesnob Had my income been raised by 43% as the price of this wine has been, I might have agreed with you!
@benj I hear you. Here’s how I look at it - the Martin Ray Napa Cab kept coming to mind when I looked at this wine. That wine was $199/case in 2020 and a bargain (pre extreme inflation). This wine (well the Cab Franc at least) is at least one notch above that.
For me, your point is a recurring theme and a sentiment I carry as I navigate the wine world. Times are changing and I hate to say, we likely won’t be seeing a $139/case Pedroncelli or Bergevin Lane again.
I hope I’m wrong… For now at least.
@benj a year and a half ago, organic chicken at Costco was < $3/lb. Now it’s > $5. EVERYTHING is more expensive now. (Even my favorite cheap pinot grigio from TJ’s has gone from $7/bottle to $11. Sigh.)
Politics aside, I wonder how much of this is ACTUAL inflation and how much is suppliers increasing prices due to perceived inflation. Regardless, I’m probably in for a case since I adore Cab Franc, but I am definitely making sacrifices in my food/wine shopping these days since MY income has increased exactly 0%.
Initial thought was autobuy for 2 cases, same as the previous offer. However, the increase in tarrif will need some analysis…
I’m passing due to the significant price increase unfortunately
I’ll be on the fence all weekend and most likely pull the trigger.
Where people complain about the price increase, I’ll actually make a different complaint.
The reason I attached to Pedroncelli and other makers on this site is due to the winery’s engagement in this forum and community. 2-3 years ago, Ped was quite present. I don’t think I’ve seen the winery poke their head and engaged with us for a few years.
This is why my loyalty of autobuy has lessoned here but remains strong for some others like Scott Harvey or Wine Smith.
@Drez143 Word
@Drez143 I don’t think some winemakers understand that their participation, even answering a few questions, drives sales far more than labrats or nostalgia. I am not geek enough to ask some of the questions, but I appreciate others do.
I am curious when WD negotiates deals he points out the increased sales vs expected when the winery participates.
@Drez143 I feel like Ed shows up quite a bit still. Granted, I don’t check out every Ped offering and they are offered pretty regularly. Time will tell
@Drez143 As I said, I was on the fence all weekend and I just jumped on to pull the trigger for the case.
Then, I decided to check my previous purchases and saw that I ordered the case offering in July. Both Cab’s are 2019, where this Merlot is 2020 and that offering was also 2019.
I think I will sit out this mixed reds offering and have all of the same internal dilemma the next time it comes up!
@Drez143 I’m very sorry. I was on vacation when the offer hit and failed to have someone check in in my absence. We are going through massive (positive) changes with our systems at the winery and I ran out the door like my hair was on fire. As an aside, I’ve had a ton on my plate the last 18mos. I’ll do better in the future!!!
I think a lot of us were spoiled by the incredibly low prices this used to go for. Now it’s selling at about what others of similar quality are, and people are upset. I can understand that, but I think you better get used to it.
@Springbank EVERYTHING is more expensive, we all know that. It is no excuse to just say “everything is getting expensive get use to it” in response to questioning of the value.
I understand taxes, staff, etc. are all going up. However, that only makes us budget-strapped consumer care more for the gems and QPR.
Noting against Pedroncelli, I love them, but at this price, I would rather try a new wine.
@KNmeh7 I’m not making any excuse, just stating a fact. I’m retired on a fixed income and I always look for value. It was great while it lasted, and I have a case or more of Ped in the basement. At this price I’m looking for something else too.
@Springbank I’ve bought a couple of these and I don’t feel like the price is wholly unreasonable - but nevertheless I think what I am going to get used to is drinking less wine. Sadly I got sucked into the “how well it ages” thing as mentioned above, and because my OCD won’t allow me to not store a couple of each one in the libary, I am going to pass on any more mixed-case offerings for a while.
2019 Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon
Late/early morning rattage as this wine was received earlier in the afternoon the day of the sale but could not taste until much later in the night.
Anywho, P&P wine presents itself tall dark and beautiful as one would expect from Pedroncelli wine. Full fragrance of sweet raspberries, bright red berries takes over the nose. First sip does not disappoint as the slight tartness of raspberries wraps around the tongue with well rounded med tannins to finish off.
Did not have a chance to see how this wine opens up, but it drank very well out of the bottle.
Though we may have been spoiled with lower prices before, this bottle is too good to pass up on this deal.
Ed is great. Pedroncelli is fantastic. Everything about this offer is wonderful except for the macro inflation (keeping my politics to myself). Gonna weigh this just a few minutes but guessing after I have another glass of vino I end up spending some money. Let’s be honest, anything from Pedroncelli is worthy of a purchase though.
Auto buy for now. The more Pedroncelli I buy the longer it sits and the better it tastes so I buy more. I am going to have to face reality soon and stop the loop of insanity… on the next one…
@mikepav yup. I bet my UPS driver thinks I’m nuts.
Autobuy, in for 2. Though the pricing has increased. Still a good deal. Pedroncelli is our favorite, and we buy it when we can. Now just to keep SWMBO from drinking it all before I get a chance to.
@WreckDiver As an extra, Pedroncelli is running their “12 days of Christmas” for case deals. The Zin case as $375+Tax and Shipping ($50 for non Club Ped members), and the Cab Case was $345+Tax and Shipping (again, $50 for non Club Ped members).
Yes, it’s getting expensive. EVERYTHING has skyrocketed in price. Our local winery (northern climate, 26 Acres of grapes) are charging $22/bottle and that’s near their “break even price” their real $$$ comes from their event space. Michigan is a VERY expensive place to grow grapes, but knowing what I know now??? Pricing for grapes has skyrocketed due to fuel costs, labor costs, and inflation. Be prepared to pay significantly more for a bottle of wine for the wine produced in 2021 and 2022…and probably moving forward.
@WreckDiver Maybe so - but then prepare for wineries to have more than they can sell and a resulting glut of wine that people won’t buy. Some wineries have enough dedication and price elasticity but most do not. Even for some of my favourites, when the price gets too high I feel like I have to move on to better value wines.
My understanding has always been the Ped offers are Italian for QPR at WW and Casemates prices and not taking their SRP into account. Based on they’re no longer a great QPR imo. I’d rather spend (which I did) on a case of DMR than this offer. I’m able to try a different wine from Napa that seems to have great pedigree for about the same price. I’d also prefer to give my business to the likes of Tercero who although a bit higher in price are boutique winemakers as opposed to Ped who I understand own the land are pretty well off. My perspective of course
@losthighwayz Not meaning to in any way insult the Pedroncelli wines I’ve had from here before, but I considered them fine everyday “default” $10-12 wines. I agree that “suggested retail” doesn’t really come into my equation of that, regardless of what is printed on a price list somewhere.
Now at approaching $20, I feel I can seek other things that will be more distinctive and not just an “autobuy” anymore. The personal touch and also unusual wines created at Tercero and Winesmith and Zeppelin offer something special that I will seek out (unless price jumps to $30-40 and then maybe I’ll pass on those too.)
The wild swings in the retail industry have created some real and some artificial price jumps. But also a lot of instability in the markets (wine as well as stock markets). I’m seeing more interesting stuff come back to Grocery Outlet (West Coast discount chain). For many years it was mostly just standard stuff, often bottled for them, like TJs does a lot of the time. But at times they would get closeouts, changed packaging, winery sold, vintages past mainstream retail target, etc. (not that different from some of the deals offered here at times.) And what’s nice is I can buy one bottle and decide if it’s really good (and if so, go back quickly and buy more because it might not last.)
@losthighwayz @pmarin I think you guys said it all
@losthighwayz @pmarin I am stocked up on Pedroncelli, stocked up on Laura Michael and age worthy (or not) I’m glad I did.
Buy low, sell high. Happy Holidays!
@losthighwayz @pmarin @ttboy23 I generally agree with the points above.
However, the mitigating factor for me (if I had space to buy, which I don’t) is that I know if I let these sit for a decade or longer they will drink far far better than their price point. Even at $20. I’ve had some of these with 15+ or even 30+ years on them and they are excellent.
Comparing to Tercero is interesting, because he’s raised his prices pretty significantly in the last 2 years as well, with several of his bottles at or above the $50 mark.
The CF is up $4 (taxed/delivered) since a 2016-09 woot offer for the '14
The CS is up $5 since a 2013-08 woot offer for the '01
The Merlot is up $8 since a 2012-05 woot offer for the '09, it was an amazingly low $9 for that offer
and up $5 since a 2015-04 woot offer for the '12
In all cases the increase was $4 from the prior year, except the Merlot which was up only $2
The CS can be found for $17 online, but the Merlot is $7 more and the CF $19 from vendors when doing a Wine-Searcher price check. Not bad @winedavid49
Are they up some, yup, mostly in the past two years.
Does it hurt a bit, yeah, perhaps.
Do I miss Ed, absolutely!
@rjquillin Exactly. I miss his participation. That is the main reason why I am skipping this.
@danandlisa @rjquillin It’s interesting to observe how much enthusiasm can be generated here with the right kind of winery participation.
Last I heard, Ed was dealing with some health issues. I wish him well. Those sales in the old days sure were fun.
@danandlisa @InFrom @rjquillin
I do hope Ed is well. His presence on the boards is definitely missed.
@rjquillin Ah, thanks Ron. Sorry I was out of pocket. I was on Maui with my lovely bride and it completely slipped my mind that the offer was live. I’ll do better next time!
@danandlisa @InFrom @rjquillin the rumors of my death are widely exaggerated! I was on vacation on Maui!
@pedroncellifam
Hope you had an amazing time in Maui!
@pedroncellifam Great to hear those rumors are indeed exaggerated, nonetheless, you were greatly missed. Welcome back. Now how about digging into that cellar for some 20+ year old cab from the library for a Friday offer…
Bride? Hope she too has a sense of humor.
@pedroncellifam @rjquillin
Only 20+? That still might be too young to drink.
I’ve had some from the 80’s recently. Is that 20+? I’ve lost track.
@pedroncellifam Definitely +.