What our friends have to say

• Zinfandel, Courage

  • 2018

    • San Francisco International Wine Competition

      Gold Medal

  • 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

    • Wine Spectator Online "8 Exuberant Sonoma Zinfandels at 90+ Points"

      91 Points. "This zesty version harbors appealingly dark and briary fruit such as black cherry and plum, accented by licorice and black pepper. Ripe and snappy tannins mark the finish. Drink now through 2029.”—Tim Fish Printable

    • Harvest Terroir Challenge Wine Competition

      91 Points & Gold Medal. Tasting notes from the judges: "Classic, good pepper, boysenberry, 5 spice."

  • 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

    • Wine Spectator November 30, 2021

      89 Points. "Ripe and briary, with baked cherry, licorice and cracked pepper flavors that finish with zesty tannins. Drink now through 2027. 8,500 cases made."— TF

    • Wine of the Week: Press Democrat

      **** “This zesty zin over-delivers in every way. It has compelling spice of cracked black pepper running through its generous fruit—black cherry, pomegranate and plum. Balanced with crisp acidity, it has nice length and a spicy finish.” reviewed by Peg Melnik.

    • 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."

    • Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition

      Double Gold Medal

    • 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

  • 2018

    • International Women's Wine Competition

      95 Points & Double Gold Medal

    • San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

      Gold Medal

  • 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

• Block 007 Cabernet Sauvignon

  • 2019

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      93 Points & Gold Medal

  • 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

  • 2019

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      90 Points & Gold Medal

    • Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition

      Gold Medal

    • Wine Spectator

      88 Points, "Direct, displaying a solid beam of cassis, plum sauce and violet flavors lined with dark licorice and shaded by a dark earth tint on the finish." JM

  • 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 

  

• Sauvignon Blanc, East Side Vineyards

  • 2021

    • International Women's Wine Competition

      98 Points, Best of Class & Double Gold Medal

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      89 Points

  • 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.

  

• Chardonnay, Signature Selection

  • 2019

    • International Women's Wine Competition

      90 Points & Gold Medal

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      89 Points

  • 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

  • 2021

    • Wine Spectator Tasting Highlights "10 Diverse Sonoma Wines Up To 90 Points"

      Speaking of chillable wines, Pedroncelli’s rosé is a quaffable blush jammed with bright cherry and raspberry flavors. Winemaker Montse Reece uses Zinfandel for this pink, taking advantage of the grape's naturally high levels of refreshing acidity.

      89 Points: “A fun quaff, this is jammed with fresh, bright cherry and raspberry flavors that linger on the spicy finish. Drink now.” Tim Fish

  • 2020

    • North of the Gate Wine Competition

      Best in Show & Best of Class & Gold Medal

    • Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition

      Gold Medal

  

• Pinot Noir, Signature Selection

  • 2019

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      92 Points & 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

  

• Sonoma Classico

  • 2019

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      88 Points

  • 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

  

• Merlot, Bench Vineyards

  • 2019

    • Beverage Testing Institute

      93 Points & Gold Medal

    • Wine Spectator, April 30, 2022 Vol 47, No. 1

      89 Points, “Shows a supple mix of dried red cherry and currant flavors with notes of hot stone as well as sanguine hints on the mid palate. The finish is highlighted by cooking spice accents and hints of dried fig. Drink now.” Kim Marcus

  • 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

  

• 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

• Cabernet Franc

  • 2018

    • International Women's Wine Competition

      97 Points & Double Gold Medal

    • San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2022

      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."