What our friends have to say

• Zinfandel, Courage

  • 2017

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      92 Points, "Aromas and flavors of raspberry confection, black plum, pomegranate, vanilla nougat, and cinnamon roll with a lightly tannic, crisp, fruity medium-full body and a hot, subtle, long finish manifesting notes of chocolate with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A dense Zinfandel packed with flavor and structure; enjoy this bold wine with red meats now or cellar a few years for a more mature experience."

    • Wine Spectator

      88 Points, "Plush and ripe, with soft dark plum, grilled anise and pepper flavors. Drink now through 2024." Tim Fish

    • 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

    • 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

  • 2019

  • 2018

    • Wine Spectator Online, 12 Dynamic California Zinfandels

      90 Points, "Stout and plump, this offers ripe current and cherry flavors accented with licorice and tar, finishing with broad-shouldered tannins." Tim Fish

    • Wine & Spirits Magazine

      92 Points & Best Buy "...this wine bridges summer cherries and August cherry tomatoes in its gentle spicy and juicy ripeness. The delicate tannins raise it to another level, adding scents of roses, the earthiness of fig skin and what Daniel Osman of the Dream Away Lodge in Becket, MA, described as “tight, tongue-twisting acai astringency.” Give it time in a decanter as you prep cioppino." —Joshua Greene

  • 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."

  

• Zinfandel, Mother Clone

  • 2019

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      90 Points & Gold Medal. "Dark ruby black color. Aromas of vanilla extract, clove, allspice, black peppercorns, and lavender with a supple, medium-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-length red cherry, rum raisin, chocolate, black pepper, and rhubarb pie finish with well-integrated, fine, coating tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich yet balanced Zinfandel with layers of concentrated fruit, spice, and florals. Drink now or cellar."

    • Jeb Dunnuck

      "Lots of cedar, spice, red plums, and wild strawberry notes emerge from the 2019 Zinfandel Mother Clone, another well-made, charming, delicious red from this estate."

    • North of the Gate Wine Competition

      Gold Medal

  • 2018

    • Wine Spectator Online, 9 Bold California Zinfandels

      89 Points, Appealing, with an old-school spicy, zesty character, showing accents of black cherry, smoky anise and pepper." Tim Fish, click here for flyer

    • Harvest Challenge Wine Competition

      94 Points & Gold Medal

  • 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

  

• Wisdom Cabernet Sauvignon

  • 2017

    • Critics Challenge

      91 Points & Gold Medal

    • Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition

      Gold Medal

  • 2016

    • North Coast Wine Competition

      96 Points & Double Gold Medal 

    • 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

  • 2018

    • Critics Challenge

      92 Points & Gold Medal

    • USA Wine Ratings

      92 Points, Gold Medal. "A rich yet structured red wine with ripe blackberry, bramble, light licorice, violet, tomato leaf, graphite, toasted cedar and vanilla. It will pair very well with charcuterie and grilled meats."

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      94 Points & Gold Medal

    • North of the Gate Wine Competition

      Double Gold Medal

    • Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition

      Gold Medal

  • 2017

    • Sunset International Wine Competition

      91 Points & Gold Medal

  

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards

  • 2018

    • USA Wine Ratings

      93 Points, Gold Medal. "The wine is full bodied with fresh fruit notes of blackberry, red currents and figs. The wine is very fresh on that palate with a good amount of structure and acidity. Age worthy wine thats delicious to consume now!"

    • Wine of the Week

      4 Stars, "A cabernet with good structure and generous fruit—blackberry and cherry. Notes of herbs and mocha in the mix. Nice length with
      a zesty finish. An impressive budget-savvy cab." Peg Melnik, The Press Democrat

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      93 Points & Gold Medal 

  • 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.”

  

• Sauvignon Blanc, East Side Vineyards

  • 2019

    • Harvest Challenge Wine Competition

      98 Points, Double Gold, Best of Class and Best of Dry Creek Valley AVA

    • Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition

      Gold Medal

    • Sunset International Wine Competition

      97 Points & Double Gold Medal

    • North Coast Wine Competition

      93 Points & Gold Medal

    • Wine Spectator

      88 points, "This seamless and fresh mix of melon and citrus fruit is vibrant, with clean acidity. The refreshing finish hints at lemon thyme. Drink now." MW.

  • 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

  • 2019

    • International Women's Wine Competition

      90 Points & Gold Medal

  • 2018

    • Wine Review Online-Marguerite Thomas

      90 pts. WineReviewOnLine.com, Marguerite Thomas, December 1, 2020. “This iconic Dry Creek Chardonnay is notably aromatic and has an appealing glossy texture. Eighty-five percent of the wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks with the rest aged in American oak barrels for eight months. Reasonably priced, relatively low in alcohol (13.5%) and boasting a convenient screw-cap closure, this is a good white wine choice for casual suppers. Try it with a cheese omelet, a tuna sandwich, or vegetarian carbonara.” 

    • 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

    • Harvest Challenge Wine Competition

      91 Points & Gold Medal

    • 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

  • 2020

    • North of the Gate Wine Competition

      Best in Show & Best of Class & Gold Medal

    • Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition

      Gold Medal

  • 2019

    • WineReviewOnline

      91 Points. "A perfect late summer/early fall wine, this rosé is both refreshing and substantial as it balances deliciously between fruit, a touch of spice, and refreshing acidity.  It’s very food friendly as it has enough flavor and weight to shine as an aperitif wine or to be paired with chicken, pork and pasta, as well as softly spicy foods such as Asian noodle dishes." Marguerite Thomas Oct 6, 2020

    • Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition

      Double Gold Medal

    • 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."

  • 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

  

• Pinot Noir, Signature Selection

  • 2019

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      92 Points & Gold Medal 

    • North of the Gate Wine Competition

      Gold Medal

    • Press Democrat

      A tasty pinot with notes of pomegranate, strawberry and a kiss of vanilla. Balanced, with crisp acidity. Light and lively, this is a refreshing, budget-wise quaffer. Peg Melnik, Press Democrat

  • 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

    • 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

  

• 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

    • 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

  

• Merlot, Bench Vineyards

  • 2018

    • Critics Challenge

      91 Points & Gold Medal

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      89 Points, "An easy-to-pair, strong-structured Merlot..."

  • 2017

    • Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition

      Double Gold Medal & Best of Class

    • 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.”

    • Press Democrat, Wine of the Week, Peg Melnik

      "This merlot over-delivers in a big way. A feminine wine, it’s both complex and balanced. Aromas and flavors of raspberry, plum and vanilla
      bean. And it makes a lasting impression with its black raspberry finish. Striking." Peg Melnik Flyer here.

  

• Sangiovese, Alto Vineyards

  • 2019

    • Jeb Dunnuck

      "Cherries, leather, and dried herbs all emerge from the 2019 Sangiovese Alto Vineyards. And it's a medium-bodied, lightly textured, charming Sangiovese that has a distinct meatiness on the finish. It should keep for 4-5 years."

       

    • Wine Spectator

      89 Points, "There’s a rich, earthy undertone with details of fennel seed, red licorice, black pepper and rosemary to the core of ripe black cherry flavors. The tannins show a slight chew on the finish.” MaryAnn Worobiec

  • 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

• Cabernet Franc

  • 2018

    • International Women's Wine Competition

      97 Points & Double Gold Medal

• Petite Sirah

• Four Grapes Port

  • 2015

    • Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition

      Best of Class & Gold Medal

  • 2014

    • San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

      Double Gold Medal

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      91 Points, "Fruity aromas and flavors of raisins, dried apricot, cinnamon-sugar, coffee candies, nutmeg, blood orange, star anise, and toffee with a satiny, vibrant, sweet medium body and a warming, layered, long finish. A bright and balanced Port-style wine that is sure to please the after-dinner crowd."

  • 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.”

  

• Friends.Red

  • 2019

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      90 Points

    • Jeb Dunnuck

      "The 2019 Friends Red Wine Blend comes from a blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese. It's a nicely fruited, peppery, herbal effort delivering medium-bodied richness, a supple, elegant texture, and good purity of fruit. It's one charming, undeniably delicious red to drink over the coming couple of years."