#Tasteup1 for 2018 with Pedroncelli Winery

*samples received*

2018 is off to a great start and tonight's tasting was outstanding. Dubbed #tasteup1 the event consisted of 14 bloggers and professionals from across the country tasting the Pedroncelli 2016 Chardonnay, 2015 Friends Red Blend and the 2015 Mother Clone Zinfandel along with a wonderful Spaghetti Squash Carbonara dish. The consistency of the Sonoma County Cry Creek Valley wines from Pedroncelli was summed up spot on by my quote from the night " Quality wines, affordable price, exquisite on the palate every bottle". A trip up Canyon Road in Geyserville is a must and a taste of the wines well who wouldn't want to taste these beauties.

While preparing the dish the first order of business was tasting the 2016 Chardonnay. Loads of tropical fruit on the nose and mouth from pineapple, melon, peach with hints of vanilla cream and subtle baking spice, oak notes. Such an easy drinking Chardonnay it was disappearing at a rapid rate. I paired this wine with this dish as well and the pairing was delicious. The creaminess of the wine worked perfect and the smoked bacon in the carbonara was brought to it's knees. Bravo

Up next the 2015 Friends Red Blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah. I agree with the comment "buy a case and share with friends" because what a fun wine. Loads of red berries, plum, blueberry and blackberry with a nice splash of spice on the finish both in the mouth and on the nose. Such an easy drinker and the glass never left my hand. I might have volunteered to sing in harmony with Ed StJohn and Robert Larsen (Thea will be laughing in the wings) at the winery Dean Martin's That's Amore on my visit while wearing the all important Pedroncelli 90th Celebration Fidora LOL. I guarantee no record label will be picking this event up! Always a favorite of mine to drink anytime.

Finally we moved to the Mother Clone Zinfandel 2015. Raspberry and blackberry clusters on the nose with notes of vanilla bean, black pepper and toasted oak. The mouth is lush with the red and dark fruit enhanced with the vanilla and pepper spice and the kiss of toasted oak. Now the dish what can I say about this pairing but wow. The fruit and spice of the wine pulled the bacon, pepper right to the front of the dish with a very nice nutty character which I will say was showcasing the finely grated Vella Mezzo Secco cheese. I would have never guessed these 2 paired so well together. I went with the poached egg on top of the dish and let's just say this old boy was eating and drinking like a king!

Tasteup2 will be coming to a computer or phone near you March 22nd. Now until then grab some of tonight's wine and the recipe and try it for yourself. If you need more recipes and pairings hop on over to their website via this recipe link and start cooking and sipping. Until next time.........

Cheers
Dan