Awards & Accolades

Mother Clone Zinfandel

Mother Clone Zinfandel

  • 2020

    • 90 Points | Wine & Spirits

      "Focused on three generations of zinfandel, traced back to the vines planted in the early 1900s, farmed by the Pedroncelli family since 1927, this also includes fruit from the Bushnell and Giovannoni vineyards. There’s youthful power to this zin, firmly structured even as notes of chocolate nibs show its heavy drape of oak. James Conley of Keen’s Steakhouse described it as 'a leafy zin, a wine with some excitement.'"

    • 90 Points | James Suckling

      Notes of ripe blackberries and blueberry jam with dark spices and flowers. Full body. Mellow and sleek with dark berry succulence and hints of bitter spices. Lengthy finish. Drink now.

    • 90 Points | Wine Enthusiast

      Smooth, deep and rich, this luxurious, high-octane wine is saturated with ripe berries, blueberries and milk-chocolate flavors wrapped in moderate, melted tannins that lend a plush mouthfeel. The winemaker used 9% Petite Sirah and aged this wine in partially new American oak barrels.
      - J.G.

    • Double Gold Medal, 96 Points | North Coast Wine Challenge

      "Richness, sweetness, lushness, ripe yet structured. Purple floral perfume."
      - April 2023

    • 90 Points | Wine Spectator | March 6, 2023

      "A gutsy red that's easy to drink, with lively blackberry, licorice and savory peppercorn flavors that build toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2030. 6,500 cases made.—T.F."

    • 93 Points | The Tasting Panel Magazine | March 2023

      An elegant style, with mocha-coffee richness and a slathering of blackberry reduction. Hearty and ripe, with a creamy licorice finish.

    • 90 Points | Wine.com

      Medium ruby color; fresh tilled dirt aroma, brambleberries, medium depth; medium-bodied, lifted on the palate, firmly textured, light to medium tannins; dry, medium acidity, very good balance; hints of earth and tar in the flavors, berries too, medium intensity; medium finish.

      Tasted: February 17, 2023, San Francisco, CA

  • 2019

    • 89 Points | Wine Spectator| November 30, 2021

      "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 | Reviewed by Peg Melnik

      “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.”

    • 90 Points & Gold Medal | Beverage Testing Institute

      "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."

    • Double Gold Medal | 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