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Deep Italian Roots Fra Noi

Dan Berger On Wine: The Oustanding Value of Pedroncelli

Wine Spectator Smart Buys: 60 Go-To Wineries

The Daily Meal Gabe Sasso chimes in at the 90 year mark.

Press Democrat Feature: From polenta to port, Pedroncelli Winery
shares three generations of family recipes.

Wine Spectator's Tim Fish tells the story Feature Article

Press Democrat Article featuring our family donations to the Smithsonian Museum of American History

Accolades by varietal:

Zinfandel, Courage
- 2017
  - Michael Chelus, The Nittany Epicurean
    "The wine showed a dark ruby almost opaque color. Black cherry, raspberry preserves, blackberry, vanilla, dark chocolate and oak all arrived on the deep and pensive nose. Black cherry, vanilla, plum, raspberry, cassis, eucalyptus and oak followed on a palate alive with dark berry fruit. The wine was full-bodied and exhibited excellent length along with velvety tannins. This wine would pair well with grilled venison." The Nittany Epicurean
- 2016
  - Wine Spectator
    92 POINTS
    “A zesty, vibrant red, with briary dark berry, licorice and bitter chocolate flavors that build richness toward lively tannins.”
    —TIM FISH, EDITOR
  - Anthony Dias Blue Reviews, The Tasting Panel Magazine
    91 Points: "Sleek, juicy and fresh with blackberry and spice; toasty, balanced and generous from a winery that knows its way around Zin."
  More
  - Orange County Wine Competition
    90 Points & Gold Medal
  - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
    Double Gold Medal
  - Enobytes.com
    92 Points: "Aromas of blackberry and pomegranate lead to a multilayered orchestra of raspberries, cherries and plums. It’s a jammy, extremely balanced Zinfandel with soft tannins, exuding spice and pepper on the finish. Delicious!"
  - Harvest Challenge 2018
    93 Points, Double Gold Medal & Best of Class
  - The Renaud Society
    Gold Medal
  - Connoisseurs Guide to California Wine
    1 Star/88 Points: "Bound to be viewed as being a bit over the top to many and just as likely to satisfy fans of unapologetically ripe, downright hedonistic Zinfandels, this full-blown edition shows a little more range and complexity than its style predicts, and, even if getting fairly hot, tough and tannic in the lattergoing, it is never less than well-fruited and avoids the raisiny, dried-grape desiccation that more often than not comes with wines of its ilk."
Zinfandel, Bushnell Vineyard
- 2017
  - Gabe's View: Zinfandel-America's Favorite Grape to Grill With
    "Pedroncelli’s legendary Mother Clone was the first Zinfandel that ever touched my lips back in the early 90’s. That’s still a great wine one vintage after the next. This single vineyard effort is a bigger, bolder, spicier, dare I say Zinnier wine. It comes from a vineyard that’s been a known associate of the Pedroncelli Family since 1943. The wine is driven by blackberry, boysenberry and plum pudding spices. All the bold dark fruit is buttressed by oodles of spice and a slinky vein of minerals, earth and sweet dark chocolate . Take some Memphis Style Ribs off the grill and pair it with this!"
  - Cindy Rynning, Grape Experiences
    This zinfandel "exuded ripe aromas and flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, plum pudding, earth, dark chocolate and dark fruit. Spice filled with a thread of minerality, this complex, full-bodied Zinfandel offered food friendly acidity, firm tannins and a lingering, satisfying finish."
- 2016
  - Wine Enthusiast
    "Best of the Year, 2018" 88 points “This is an intensely jammy, rich, 100% varietal wine that’s rich and thick with elements of barbecue, grilled meat and Italian deli. It finishes in vanilla oak and black pepper.” —REVIEWED BY EDITOR VIRGINIE BOONE
  - Wine Spectator
    89 Points: "Broad and briary, showing raspberry and pomegranate flavors, with underbrush and licorice accents, finishing with zesty tannins." Tim Fish
  - Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition
    90 Points & Gold Medal
  - The Tasting Panel
    92 Points
  - Sonoma County Harvest Fair Awards Competition
    Double Gold Medal
  - International Women's Wine Competition
    91 Points, Gold Medal
  - Orange County Commercial Wine Competition
    92 Points, Gold Medal
  - California Zinfandel Championship Awards
    Gold Medal
  - Tasters Guild Consumer's Wine Judging
    Double Gold Medal
  - Enobytes.com
    89 Points: "Lively and brambly with charming raspberry and licorice flavors. The finish is clean, with invigorating acidity, and soft tannins."
  - Tastings.com
    93 Points, Gold Medal, Exceptional
    
    "Black violet color. Aromas of cedar, rosemary, hibiscus, rhubarb, and wild strawberry with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, complex, long brittle of grilled nuts, dates, black tea, tobacco, and licorice finish with firm tannins and moderate oak. A spicy, intriguing zinfandel with style for days."
- 2015
  - Wine Spectator
    91 Points: "Briary and full of verve, with wild berry, mocha and orange zest aromas that lead to lively black cherry and licorice flavors.
    Drink now through 2023."—Tim Fish, Editor
  - Sunset International Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
  - Orange County Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
Zinfandel, Mother Clone
- 2017
  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 89pts
    “Medium to deep ruby-purple, the 2017 Zinfandel Mother Clone gives up spiced peach cobbler, brown sugar, shaved nutmeg, red hot cinnamon candy and cured meats aromas with notes of dried herbs and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has a good core of spicy fruits with grainy tannins and good freshness, finishing very spicy." printable
  - Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
    Double Gold Medal
  - Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Judging 2019
    Double Gold
- 2016
  - Tastings.com
    91 Points, Gold Medal, Exceptional "Dusty black violet color. Inviting, attractive aromas and flavors of fine chocolates, smoked cherry mostarda, blackberry-sage sauce, orange oil, nutmeg, and grilled dry-aged steak with a velvety, crisp, fruity medium body and a warming, complex, medium-long finish with moderate oak. A zinfandel to crave; savory, juicy, fruity, and engaging."
  - Wine Spectator
    89 Points: "Ripe and zesty, with savory blackberry, bitter chocolate and meaty smoked pepper flavors." Tim Fish
  - Connoisseurs' Guide to CA Wine
    1 Star & GOOD VALUE: "Never a wine that aims for bombast or drama but one that gets it right in terms of defined Zinfandel fruit, Pedroncelli’s Mother Clone bottling stays well within varietal bounds in both scent and taste. If arguably not as rich as either of its two winery mates, neither is it compromised by the obvious heat that appears in both, and its grippy, finishing tannins will be mitigated by service with food and/or another year or two on the cork."
  - The Fifty Best
    Double Gold Medal
  - Press Democrat
    3 1/2 stars and a 'Tasty Alternative' from Peg Melnik, Press Democrat, "A zin with concentrated flavors. Notes of blackberry, strawberry, raspberry, toast and pepper. Balanced. Nice length."
  - Enobytes.com
    90 Points: "Lively and enticing with pungent blue fruit flavors that mingle with savory, smoked flavors that dance in the glass. Balanced by a hint of wild sage. Great quality-to-price-ratio (QPR)."
- 2015
  - Wine Enthusiast
    93 Points: "Concentrated blackberry fruit rides a foundation of soft, silky and well-integrated succulence, with touches of leather saddle, black pepper, smoke and brick. While full bodied, it manages to drink light on its feet." Editors’ Choice. — Virginie Boone
  - Wine Spectator
    Tim Fish's Recommended California Zinfandels & Top Value, June 30, 2018
  - Wine Spectator 88pts
    "A big, burly red, with potent blackberry, smoked pepper and licorice flavors. Drink now through 2022." —Tim Fish, Editor
  - Tasters Guild Consumer's Wine Judging
    Gold Medal
Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2016
  - International Women's Wine Competition
    91 Points & Gold Medal
- 2015
  - Reviews for the 2015 Vintage
    Wine Spectator: Guide to California Cabernet Sauvignon: 88 Points
    
    Press Democrat Wine of the Week: TOP PICK: Pedroncelli, 2015 Wisdom, Dry Creek Valley Estate Vineyard, Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, ★★★★
    
    West Coast Wine Competition: Gold Medal & 91 Points
    
    Enobytes.com: 89 Points, "Bright red fruits intermingle with chocolate, black currants and cassis. The finish is dusty and peppery with dried herbs and spice."
Block 007 Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2017
  - Sunset International Wine Competition
    91 Points & Gold Medal
- 2016
  - Ken's Wine Guide
    92 Points: "Dark ruby with medium opacity, this Cabernet Sauvignon from the Dry Creek Valley starts with inviting aromas of freshly turned loam, eucalyptus, wintergreen and almond. The flavor profile is a core of spicy black currant with edges of Dalmatia fig and a hint of blueberry. The wine is medium-plus in body, well-structured and complex with a tingly peppercorn finish. It paired very well with beef bourguignon and could be a solo sipper with another year or two of cellaring."
  - Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
    Double Gold Medal
- 2015
  - International West Coast Wine Competition
    Gold Medal, 90 Points & Best of Class
  - Toast of the Coast
    Double Gold Medal, 95 Points, Best Cabernet Sauvignon & Best of Dry Creek Valley
  - Dan Berger's Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
  - Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
    Gold Medal
  - Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition
    Double Gold Medal
Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards
- 2017
  - James Suckling
    88 Points: “Violets, dried roses and some earthy, meaty funk, leading to a mid-weight palate that has succulent, redder-fruit flavors. Medium body. Drink now.”
- 2016
  - Enobytes.com
    88 Points: "This is a medium-bodied crowd pleaser with aromas and flavors of blackberry jam, cherries, Coca-Cola, and vanilla. It finishes with pleasing, lingering herbaceous notes with a tinge of vanilla and smoke."
- 2015
  - Wine Review Online
    92 Points: “Year after year Pedroncelli produces solid, satisfying, and often sumptuous wines, especially the reds. The winery’s Zinfandels rank among the best anywhere, and its Cabernets do not lag far behind. This wine, for example, tastes classic. It is beautifully proportioned, with no element in excess, and a beautiful sense of balance that extends from the bouquet through the finish. If they’re honest, not many over $100 Napa Cabernets can say the same.” Paul Lukacs, WineReviewOnline.com
  - Wine of the Week: Highly Recommended, Press Democrat
    "This Cab definitely over-delivers with generous fruit and bright acidity. It's layered with herbs and spiced and lightly toasted. It's approachable and budget-savvy. It's a cab for the people." Peg Melnik
- 2014
  - Wine Spectator Top 100 Values
    88 Points: "California Pure, rich and focused, this red offers mint and bay leaf notes shaded by currant and blackberry nuances, with full, round tannins." —James Laube
  - James Laube's Recommended California Cabernets, Top Values
    "Pure, rich, focused, with a charming core of mint and bay leaf." James Laube, 88 Points
  - The Sommelier Company
    88 Points: The Sommelier Company "Good; distinct aromas and flavors are rich and vibrant Character: An uncomplicated, go-to fruit-and-spice Cabernet."
  - San Diego Challenge Wine Competition, 2017
    91 points, Gold Medal
Sauvignon Blanc, East Side Vineyards
- 2019
  - Sunset International Wine Competition
    97 Points & Double Gold Medal
- 2018
  - WineReviewOnline, Margurerite Thomas
    90 Points: WineReviewOnLine.com, Marguerite Thomas, August 13, 2019. “California Sauvignon Blancs, this one is stylistically fruit-oriented rather than grassy. Perfectly dry, with baked apple flavors heightened by hints of lemon and lime, it makes an easy-drinking aperitif as well as a satisfying food wine. The Pedroncelli family has been a major player in the California wine world since 1927 and they continue to provide their fans with reliable, affordable straightforward wines such as this one.”
  - Ken's Wine Guide
    "This translucent straw-colored Sauvignon Blanc from Pedroncelli opens with an inviting citrus bouquet featuring lemon, lime, tangerine and hints of grapefruit. I found this light bodied wine to be smooth and easy going on the palate. The flavor profile is, again, citrus and includes pineapple, light lemon, lime and green apple. I enjoyed the crisp acidity and its smooth dry finish. I believe this would make a great summer weekday sipper on the patio or deck served slightly chilled with cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto." 88 Points/Very Good
  - Sauvignon Summit, Alameda County Fair
    Gold Medal
Chardonnay, Signature Selection
- 2018
  - JamesSuckling.com
    90 Points: “A youthful array of fresh pear and lemon aromas lead to a palate that has spiced-pear focus and a smooth, flavorful finish. Drink now.” printable
  - Wine Spectator
    88 Points: “Richly spiced, featuring well-knit, medium-grained flavors of pear, apricot and peach. Plush and creamy on the finish, with pastry notes. Drink now.”
  - The Fifty Best: Chardonnay
    Gold Medal. Tasting notes: Aroma: Golden apple, crisp apple, white grape, star fruit, tropical fruit, lemon, grapefruit, lime zest, citrus, summer flowers, zingy, softly bright.
    Palate: Golden apple, Sweet Tarts, citron, lemon peel, honey suckle, vanilla, creamy, light butter, oak, tannins, consistent throughout, summer in a glass, delightful.
    Finish: Orange, gardenia, floral, mineral, earthy, medium tannins, complex, balanced, Burgundian, approachable, pleasant, lovely.
Chardonnay, F. Johnson
- 2018
  - JamesSuckling.com
    91 Points: 'This has plenty of complexity and texture with aromas of fresh peaches and grilled lemons, leading to a palate that has creamed, spiced custard flavors and a smooth, juicy finish.' printable
- 2017
  - James Suckling
    90 Points: "Attractive freshness and also impressive ripeness give this wine a dual edge of interest. The palate has a succulent core of peaches and lemons with a wave of savory spices in the creamy, biscuity finish."
Rosé
- 2019
  - Wine of the Week: Jeff Siegel, Wine Curmudgeon
    "The Pedroncelli rose is always top-notch every vintage, but the 2019 is one of the best I have tasted from anywhere this rose season, and certainly and among the best the winery has made in many years. It isn’t especially heavy, and the spice – and even a little pepper – is pleasingly noticeable in the middle, after a burst of zinfandel-ish berry fruit. Plus, the wine finishes cleanly and doesn’t feel syrupy or overdone in the mouth."
  - Please the Palate, Allison Levine
    Everything is Coming Up Rosés! "Everyone knows about white Zinfandel, but the Pedroncelli Rosé of Zinfandel is nothing like a white Zinfandel. This wine is a deep bright pink color and has aromas of forest fruits, cherries, strawberries and raspberries. The wine has a nice, creamy weight on the mid-palate and delicate acidity. This is a wine crying out to be paired with anything on the grill."
  - Wine of the Month: Along the WineRoad
    "Looking for a Rosé with a pedigree? Then cast your gaze upon Pedroncelli 2019 Rosé of Zinfandel. Pedroncelli has been making Rosé for over 60 years, and they have the style dialed in with this soft pink hued example that’s teeming with rich flavor and great body. The nose is like rose petal cotton candy with a strawberry-cherry vibe. The flavors are bright and juicy with notes of blood orange and sweet Bing cherry grounded with spicy notes of galangal and bergamot. Sharp and clean it’s the ultimate refresher on a hot summer day. Pair with a spicy gumbo or grilled shrimp in garlic sauce." Marcy Gordon
- 2018
  - Wine Spectator Top 100 Values
    Rosé category, Top 100 Values, Great Wines for $25 or Less
  - Wine Spectator "The Values Show" Today's Value Wines Are Hot Properties 10/15/19
    89 Points: "Zesty and fun to drink, with lively cherry, spice and strawberry flavors. Zinfandel. Drink now." Tim Fish, Wine Spectator
  - California Zinfandel Championships
    Gold Medal
  - The Fifty Best
    Gold Medal
  - Tasters Guild Consumer's Wine Judging
    Gold Medal
  - Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
- 2017
  - Wine Spectator Top 100 Values
    100 TOP VALUES: GREAT WINES FOR $20 OR LESS
    Those who best identify the right grapes for their terroir are ideally positioned to deliver exciting yet affordable wines year after year. There are values everywhere you look—it’s time to get out there and explore.
    89 POINTS
    “This plush rosé offers cherry and spice flavors, with lots of tangy zip.” Printable
  - Wine Spectator
    Included in: Recommended Rosés From Around The World, June 30, 2018
  - Wine Spectator 89 points
    10 California Rosés You've Been Waiting For: Wine Spectator
    
    "This rosé offers lots of tangy zip. Plush, with cherry and spice flavors. Drink now. 89 Points” —Tim Fish, WS Senior Editor, 6/30/18
    
    Printable version
  - Blue Reviews, The Tasting Panel Magazine
    "Deep raspberry pink; dense, spice and tangy; lush, deep and long; a recurring classic from this historic Sonoma winery." Anthony Dias Blue
  - California State Fair Wine Competition
    95 Points & Gold Medal
  - Rosés Demure & Elegant, Top Picks by Peg Melnik, Press Democrat
    "This rosé is tangy with notes of raspberry, cherry, mineral and cinnamon. Nice and dry. Pretty.”
  - California Zinfandel Championships
    Gold Medal
  - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
    One Star: A 'rich & balanced offering'.
- 2016
  - California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition
    95 points, Gold Medal, Best of Class of Region
  - Sunset International Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
  - Wine Spectator 14 Recommended Rosés
    "Zesty and festive, with easygoing raspberry and spicy cinnamon flavors. Drink now." —Tim Fish
  - Justwinepoints.com
    91 Points
  - James The Wine Guy
    92 Points
Pinot Noir, Signature Selection
- 2017
  - JamesSuckling.com
    90 Points: 'This has rich and punchy red-cherry and berry aromas and flavors, delivered in crisp, assertive and fleshy tannins.'
  - San Francisco International Wine Competition
    91 Points & Gold Medal
  - Tasters Guild Consumer's Wine Judging 2019
    Double Gold Medal
  - Top Pick of the Week, Press Democrat 7/3/2019
    4 Stars: "This is a tasty pinot that’s a perfect burger match. It has tangy cherry notes, firm tannins and great balance. With its bright fruit and crisp acid, this pinot can definitely stand up to a hefty puck of protein. A steal for this caliber of pinot." Peg Melnik, Press Democrat
  - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
- 2016
  - James Suckling
    91 Points: "A meaty edge to the nose with smoked charcuterie and ripe red-cherry and berry aromas. The palate delivers a ripe ball of plush, evenly cast tannins, supporting attractive red-fruit flavors."
  - Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition 2017
    Gold Medal
Sonoma Classico
- 2017
  - Sunset International Wine Competition
    97 Points, Double Gold Medal & Best of Class
- 2016
  - Wine Spectator Recommended Merlots From California
    TOP VALUES:
    
    88 POINTS “Ripe and filled with roasted plum and dark currant flavors that are well-spiced. Merlot blend.” —KIM MARCUS, 11/30/18 printable
  - Orange County Wine Competition
    90 Points & Gold Medal
  - Tasters Guild Consumer's Wine Judging
    Gold Medal
  - Harvest Challenge 2018
    Gold Medal & 90 Points
  - Wine Spectator
    88 Points: "Ripe and filled with roasted plum and dark currant flavors that are well-spiced. Dark chocolate and smoky notes show on the finish." Kim Marcus, 10/15/2018
  - Enobytes.com
    88 Points: "This Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah blend lends dark fruit and chocolate notes. The finish is herbaceous with delicious notes of spice and plums."
Merlot, Bench Vineyards
- 2017
  - Wine Spectator
    90 Points: "Well-structured, with a firm backbone of acidity to the dried dark currant, dark cherry and dried berry flavors. Cedary accents show midpalate, featuring notes of graphite and slate on the tannic finish. Drink now through 2023." 2,500 cases made.—Kim Marcus printable
  - JamesSuckling.com
    89 Points “Some meaty and spicy, earthy notes really drive the nose with roses and red berries. The palate has a crunchy and juicy feel with a rich array of bold, meaty tannin to close. Drink or hold.”
- 2014
  - Golds and Points
    - Gold Medal: The Fifty Best Merlots Read More »
    - 90 Points, Excellent: Enobytes Read More »
    - Gold Medal: Jefferson Cup Awards
  - California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition 2017
    91 Points
Sangiovese, Alto Vineyards
- 2016
  - Orange County Wine Competition
    90 Points & Gold Medal
  - Tasters Guild Consumer's Wine Judging
    Gold Medal
  - Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
- 2015
  - Orange County Wine Society Competition
    Gold Medal
  - James The Wine Guy
    92 Points
Petite Sirah
- 2015
  - Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition 2017
    Gold Medal
- 2014
  - West Coast Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
  - California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition 2017
    88 Points, Best of Class of Region
Four Grapes Port
- 2013
  - International Women's Wine Competition
    95 Points & Double Gold Medal
  - California State Fair Wine Competition
    96 Points & Gold Medal
  - Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
  - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
- 2012
  - International West Coast Wine Competition
    Double Gold Medal, 97 Points & Best of Class
  - California State Fair Wine Competition
    99 Points, Double Gold Medal
  - Dan Berger's International Wine Competition
    Gold Medal
  - Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition
    92 Points & Gold Medal
  - North of the Gate Wine Competition 2017
    98 Points, Double Gold Medal, Best of Class, Best Fortified
Friends White
- 2018
  - Wine Spectator
    84 pts. [Good: a Solid, Well-Made Wine] “Spicy floral notes mingle with pear, apple and melon flavors on a soft, smooth body, offering a refreshing finish. Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer. Drink now.”
- 2017
  - Wine Review Online
    87 Points: “One of the great things about New World winemakers is their willingness to experiment because they are not constrained by regulations. This blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer (roughly 60/40) is a case in point. Where else in the world would you find a blend of those two grapes? And it works. Each grape shows itself in the finished wine, with Sauvignon Blanc providing a pleasant bite and acidity, while Gewurztraminer lends aromatic notes. Despite its subtle pungency, it has a roundness -- indeed, even a hint of sweetness -- that makes it a good choice for spicy Asian fare, barbecued chicken, or as a stand-alone aperitif.” - Michael Apstein, WineReviewOnline.com
Friends.Red
- 2016
  - Wine Spectator Recommended Merlots From California
    Top Values
    87 Points: “This has a firm core of dried berry and cherry flavors, supported by chewy tannins. Savory finish, Merlot blend.” —KIM MARCUS 11/30/18 printable
  - Rock Star Red Blends, Top Picks by Peg Melnik, Press Democrat
    “This red is a nice quaff that’s approachable and easy going. It has notes of red plum, blueberry and a kiss of vanilla. A great find for the budget-minded, this blend is a smart mix of syrah, merlot, zinfandel and petite sirah.”
  - Wine Spectator Daily Picks
    “This has a firm core of dried berry and cherry flavors, supported by chewy tannins. Savory finish. Merlot, Zinfandel and Syrah. Drink now.” —KIM MARCUS Wine Spectator, Daily Wine Picks, August 30, 2018
  - Wine Spectator Daily Picks: California Super Wine Values
    87 Points: "This has a firm core of dried berry and cherry flavors, supported by chewy tannins. Savory finish." —Kim Marcus 8/30/18
- 2015
  - Justwinepoints.com
    95 Points
  - California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition 2017
    93 Points, Best of Class of Region
  - Orange County Wine Society Competition
    Gold Medal