2018 Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc Sonoma County Dry Creek Valley Barrel Select

 

I definitely have a preference for family wineries and Pedroncelli Family Winery hits near and dear to the heart. I mentioned in an earlier post they have been growing grapes and making wines for 95 years and still to this day family owned and operated. Amazing after all these years and the quality of the wines are exceptional.

Tonight, we popped the cork on the 2018 Cabernet Franc as the weather felt more like fall than the hot temps we just encountered. On the nose, rich blackberry and raspberry followed by a hint of wild violets and black pepper notes. The mouth is lush with dark berries, juicy raspberry and plum, with a hint of spice on the long juicy yet soft finish. Wine is a keeper.

Visit the Pedroncelli Wine Store to grab your bottles of Cabernet Franc and many of the other award-winning exceptional wines they produce. Rather visit them, reserve a time to taste these wines in person and hear more about the Pedroncelli story.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Michael Pozzan Merlot Napa Valley

 

Picked this gem up on a last visit to my friends wine store before she retired from the business. I'm a big fan of the Giapoza wines so this was a no brainer.

Definitely a family business with Michael, his wife Mary Ann, sons Dante and Matthew plus Matthews wife Kimberly. What I have found with the Pozzan Family wines, they are very versatile and pair with a variety of foods or they can be enjoyed on their own with family and friends over a conversation. 

The 2018 Merlot nose shows notes of fresh sliced plum, hints of redberries, a dusting of cocoa powder and wild violets. The mouth is soft yet extremely flavorful with juicy plum and a red raspberry/cherry combination with a splash of mocha and spice. Really nice Merlot and one you should keep on hand.

Cheers

Dan

2017 Harbor Ridge Winery Pinot Noir Door County Wisconsin

 

I can't tell you how many times I've driven past Harbor Ridge Winery on Highway 42 in Egg Harbor and never stopped but it was always full of cars and folks sitting outside. Well on our yearly trek to the Door County Peninsula I just had to stop and see for myself why all the visitors. Found out pretty quickly they produce wines for all types of wine lovers from dry aged to fruity and sweet. Do a little tasting, check out all the winery swag, listen to live music on the weekends and finally grab that bottle and sit on the patio enjoying wine in the outdoors. Oh and the staff is so friendly and helpful. They did appreciate my Packer attire.

So the labels are both fun and serious I'll say. Now today I'll talk about the 2017 Pinot Noir but the other wines I purchased on my visit were the Three Wise Guys Pinot Grigio, 2018 Chardonnay, Savvy Blonde Sauv Blanc and finally Bouquet Rose. I'll taste those in the near future (although I did kill one of my bottles of Pinot Grigio on a hot July day).

The 2017 Pinot has a really nice nose of dark cherries and cranberries, woodsy forest floor and a kiss of spice. The mouth is really really good with the dark cherries intertwined with a cranberry/strawberry cluster combo and finishing with a hint of vanilla and spice. Flavor packed wine yet sophisticated and elegant. My only regret was not grabbing more of this wine. It's only a 6 hr drive..... roadtrip!

Put Door County Wisconsin on your bucket list and make sure you stop by Harbor Ridge Winery when you visit. As they say "Solving The World's Problems One Sip At A Time".

Cheers

Dan

2019 Pedroncelli Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

 

Imaging 95 years of growing grapes and producing wines. How many berries have been harvested or barrels of juice have been fermented and aged? Think over those years the number of bottles and cases of wine that have been sold and consumed at family gatherings, weddings, relaxing by a fire or a nice dinner. I wonder if Julie or Ed would guess the number of bottles produced over the years (no Ed a lot was already used by me)?

Happy 95 years to all the Pedroncelli's! They continue to produce food friendly and stand alone wines which do not break the pocket book, yet deliver a luxurious mouth feel as if you are drinking $100 bottles. Consistent quality vintage after vintage. 

Tonight, we opened the 2019 Pinot Noir Signature Selection. On the nose crushed cranberries and cherries with cinnamon spice and a kiss of toasted oak. The mouth is full of ripe juicy cherry and strawberry, cola and finishes with a dusting of warm barrel spice. One of if not my favorite pinot noir. 

Looking for a great opportunity to taste their food and wine together, book your place at their Sip & Savor Dinner on August 20th. Great looking menu and awesome wines. Why stop there and equally delicious stop by the tasting room for a taste, purchase and sign up for the wine club. Sounds like the perfect pairing.

Cheers

Dan

2020 Hook And Ladder Olivet Ranch Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley

 

Hot weather called for a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and this crisp delightful wine from Jason Deloach and Hook & Ladder Winery was just what the glass needed.

The grapes were planted in 1985 in front of the winery in the home vineyard Olivet Ranch. Once harvested and pressed, the juice aged in a combination of stainless steel and neutral French oak barrels until bottling.

Once in the glass the aroma of fresh cut melon with floral notes, lemon grass and citrus zest please the nose. The mouth is a citrus blast so crisp and refreshing. Flavors of meyer lemon and key lime with splashes of nectarine roll across the tongue. The bottle never lasted the night. Must buy more.

Make sure on your next visit to Santa Rose you swing in for a taste and then grab a few bottles for your cellar. Located at 2134 Olivet Road in Santa Rosa, you have multiple reservation options based on your tasting preference. Trust me they make the good stuff.

Cheers

Dan

2014 Cornerstone Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga

 

Just so happens this wine was a sample received a few years ago and while letting it age, I wanted to pull it for a special meal. Tonight, was that night to serve with braised beef short ribs over mashed potatoes.

It was 12 years ago when I first was introduced to Cornerstone Cellars and then a tasting when I paid a visit on a trip to Napa and Sonoma. The tasting room has changed over the years, but the wines have remained exquisite.

I opened the bottle a couple hours prior to dinner and poured a small glass without drinking (I know you find this hard to believe) but continued to swirl and sniff in 30 minute intervals to allow the wine to open and to feel it evolve. Loads of dark fruit on the nose with blackberry dominant followed by plum, black currants, coffee bean and toasty oak. The mouth is rich with blackberry, plum, a hint of juicy raspberry wrapped around fennel and star anise. The fruit lingers long in the mouth. 

I would highly recommend a stop by Cornerstone Cellars Tasting Room on your next visit to Napa. 

Cheers

Dan

2019 Cantine Spinelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Atessa Italy

 

A really nice inexpensive Italian from the Central Region of Italy, tonight was the 2019 Spinelli Montepulciano D'Abruzzo.  The wine includes both the Montepulciano D'Abruzzo and Sangiovese grapes and fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks.

Nice color in the glass with ruby red and purple hues. The nose shows nicely with dark fruit aromas of dark cherry and plum followed by a hint of earthiness and a peppery spice. The mouth starts with cherry and juicy plum, a little dusty earth and spice on the long soft finish. Great starter wine I paired with cheese and genoa salami.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend Sonoma County Cry Creek Valley

 

Some wise gentleman at Pedroncelli once told me I would really enjoy this wine and how ironic he was correct. So thanks Ed for introducing me to this wine. Every time I open a vintage for some reason I start blurting out "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's amore" and big surprise I paired the wine with pizza pie. 

The Sonoma Classico is a proprietary blend of Merlot, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel. The grapes were all harvested in the Dry Creek and Alexander Valley Appellation. 2018 what was a very good year for growing with excellent ripe fruit and the perfect amount of acidity. The wine was aged 14 months in seasoned American oak barrels which softens the wine and gives it its complexity.

Swirl and smell and the fruit rises with plum, cherry, blackberry with a hint of violets and baking spice. The mouth is to die for if you love Italian wines with Sangiovese because this one does not disappoint. Jammy fruit from the start with blackberry, plum, cherry followed by vanilla cream and a subtle yet soft spicey finish with a touch of oak. A wine I keep on hand at all times. Pizza is from a local restaurant and a recipe I grew up on as a kid. Delicious pairing.

Support this family winery by stopping by for a visit or ordering wines online. 

2018 Ceja Vineyards Oxomo Red Wine Napa Valley

 

Always a favorite winery I like pulling from my cellar, tonight was the Oxomo from the Ceja family who continue to produce premium wines from the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. They have been featured in many interviews, publications and events all across the region and country. Their story is one to admire going from immigrant vineyard workers to growers and now winery owners. Hard work and a passion for what they love shows in each grape grown and wine produced by this family winery.

The 2018 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the Ceja Napa Valley Vineyards. In the glass the color is rich deep red showing aromas that match the color with intense red and dark fruit clusters, a hint of wildflowers and a nice kiss of toasted spice on the nose. The mouth is big on flavor showcasing the ripe berries of raspberry, cherry, blackberry, blueberry with a subtle hint of toasted vanilla cream on the long elegant and silky finish. Just an outstanding red wine from winemaker Armando Ceja. Knowing Amelia Ceja and her love of food and wine pairings, it was only fitting I paired this wine with a nice beef tenderloin, thick pan steak sauce (yes a splash of the wine was in it) and a simple baked potato. Stunning.

Next time on your wine region visit swing by their Sonoma Wine Tasting Room for a splash of their offerings, to hear their story and to purchase some of the award winning delicious wines the family produces. I'm due for a visit too.

All links on here are safe and direct you to the winery website. Leave us a comment in the comments section if you have tasted this wine or others from the Ceja portfolio.

Cheers

Dan

2019 Hook and Ladder Severson Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

 

Tonight's wine was a purchase from Hook and Ladder Winery, their limited production pinot noir from the Severson Ranch Vineyard by winemaker Jason DeLoach. 

The vineyard is located in the Russian River Valley in the Olivet Road area known for its cool climate best suited for growing these grapes. Once harvested, the fruit was fermented in open top tanks using native yeasts and punched down by hand 3-4 times each day for 3 weeks. The juice was then aged for 9 months in French oak barrels. The result is outstanding.

Swirl, sniff repeat several times and what you get on the nose is rich dark cherry notes with forest floor accents, a splash of cola, crushed herbs with a hint of spicy notes. No doubt the region on this wine if you are a fan of the RRV.

The mouth is lush with juicy cherry, tart cranberry and a hint of plum. Continue to let the wine roll across the mouth and herbs and spice dance over your tongue. Medium bodied with a long, elegant finish. Only 125 cases made. Jason I never wanted this wine to be gone but sadly the bottle is empty. I paired this wine with olive oil and thyme rubbed pork medalions with rice. 

If you are in the Santa Rosa Ca area on your next wine tasting trip, I highly recommend a stop on Olivet Road at Hook and Ladder Winery. Taste, buy and even sign up for the wine club. I promise you will enjoy the experience.

Links on this blog are safe and point you back to the winery website. If you have tasted this wine or others from this winery, drop us a comment on the blog. We would love to hear from you.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Pedroncelli Chardonnay Signature Selection Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County

Italian dinner night with lobster ravioli in a pink sauce, bruschetta, Italian herb roll, salad and a 2018 Pedroncelli Family Winery Chardonnay. Love the pairings with these wines as they are complimentary to the dishes without overpowering, enhancing your experience. 

The Chardonnay grapes are harvested from the Frank Johnson Vineyard which is located at the southern end of Dry Creek Valley, known for its cool microclimate and alluvial soils, a vineyard perfectly suited for chardonnay. Once harvested, the juice is fermented mainly in stainless steel with just a few months of oak aging leading to that little kiss of creaminess in each bottle. One thing to always remember is the wine really begins in the vineyard and when you have an exceptional vineyard manager along with an excellent winemaker you have deliciousness in any varietal you open with the name Pedroncelli on the label.

The nose on this wine screams the tropics with pineapple, peach, apple with just a hint of spice and toasted oak. The mouth is full of flavor again with the tropical fruit and granny smith apple and a kiss of creamy vanilla and baking spice on the finish. Crisp and refreshing for a Chardonnay with a lot of flavors, not over oaked, and one of my favorites in the Pedroncelli portfolio of wines.

Grab a bottle or 6 from this wonderful family winery on your next visit  

If you aren't in the area you can still purchase from the website or sign up for the wine club.

Drop us a note on the blog if you have tasted this wine. All links in this story are safe and go directly to the winery website.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Argiano NC Toscana Rosso OGT

 

Decided it was a nice night to open an Italian wine from the beautiful vineyards of Tuscany. Ever since engrossing myself in Italian history, I've found myself not only learning about the foods of each region but also the culture and the simple ways of life and that includes the wines. But who doesn't like pasta, pizza, gelato, tiramisu, fresh fish and beef. 

Tonight's wine opens with intense berry aromas of raspberry and plum with a hint of toasted nuts and a little dusty earth. The mouth is rich with cherry, raspberry and plum followed by a kiss of blackberry finishing with the earthy notes and a warm spice. Nice full-bodied wine with a soft silky finish.

Cheers

Dan

2020 Pedroncelli Rose Dry Creek Valley Sonoma County

 

Spring has made an early appearance and I craved a crisp refreshing wine so what better than to open a Pedroncelli Rose' made from the Zinfandel grapes harvested from the Bushnell Vineyard. Since 1954 the family has produced rose in a style that showcases the flavors of the fruit with a crisp and spicy character. Rock solid vintage after vintage. 

I've raved about the wines the Pedroncelli's produce, and you know how much I enjoy tasting through their portfolio. I'll say it one more time You Want To Drink These Wines Everyday All Day!

The wine is destemmed and pressed, with the 100% free run juice transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. The wine was then bottled a few months after harvest. From the moment the wine is poured, aromas of fresh red fruit clusters and fresh cut roses race from the glass. The mouth is juicy with ripe cherry and strawberry lending to a bit of a creamy nuance followed by a gentle kiss of baking spice. Crisp, refreshing and so enjoyable. 

Make sure you grab some Rose and a few other bottles of the Pedroncelli varietals for your sipping pleasure.

Cheers

Dan

2016 Barham Mendelsohn Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

 

This was a special pickup Pinot Noir made by the late Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat for his special partnership with Barbara Barham Mendelsohn and Richard Mendelsohn. The grapes for this wine are harvested from the Lala Panzi Ranch Vineyard in the Russian River Valley near Healdsburg, consisting of a 5-acre plot of carefully selected clones. Each year, one limited edition Pinot is produced in limited quantity. I wish our paths had crossed because this guy made some really fine wines.

The nose is full of fresh pressed cherries and raspberry with earthy tones and some toasted spice. The mouth is lush, rich and elegant with cherries, strawberries and a kiss of blueberry followed by black currant and dried herbs. Outstanding Pinot friends. I paired this with honey-cayenne salmon and the simple staples of baked beans and potato salad. Oh so good!

Seemed like an appropriate time to pull the cork on Open The Bottle Night. 

Cheers

Dan 

2019 Achille IGT Toscana Rosso

 

The I Colli estate can be found in the northern part of the province of Siena, specifically in the territories of Monteriggioni and Vagliagli. It is here that 23 generations of the Bindi Sergardi Family have prospered and grown.

The land from which the vines prosper consist of limestone. It is this soil and microclimate of this region which gives the Sangiovese identity from vineyard to vineyard. It's worked pretty well for over 700 years. Fermentation in stainless steel tanks for 15 days and following malolactic fermentation the wine is then aged in oak barrels.

The nose shows nicely with ripe fruit of cherry, plum and blackberry. The mouth is juicy with cherry strawberry, and a hint of dark berries. The finish is long and juicy but so soft. Glad I have several more bottles of this Italian gem.

If you tasted this wine drop us a note on the blog and tell us what you thought.

Cheers

Dan

2015 Arcos Toscana

 

Today's wine sings Italian from the vineyards of Tuscany. Produced by the Castellani family since 1903, the winery is located in Pontedera outside of Pisa. The vineyards from which these grapes are harvested consist of sand, clay and calcareous soils. The family has an extensive history of sustainable farming practices within these vineyards.

The 2015 is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah. Fermented in stainless steel tanks in a temperature-controlled environment, the aging then takes place in oak casks and small barrels for 12 months. 

The nose shows nice clusters of red fruit including cherry and raspberry with just a hint of dusty earth. The mouth is quite juicy with cherry, strawberry and plum long into the finish. Such a soft easy drinker and one I really enjoyed. Simple yet flavorful.

Let us know if you have tasted this wine and leave us a comment on the blog what you thought of it.

Cheers

Dan

2019 Banshee Pinot Noir Sonoma County

 

Born in a bar in the Dogpatch neighborhood in San Francisco, Banshee Wines was launched with borrowed funds and 8 barrels of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Fast forward to today they reside in Healdsburg with a comfortable tasting room and strong relationships build with some of the best vineyards in Sonoma County.

The grapes for this wine were sourced from select vineyards including the Banshee single vineyard program. The blend for this wine includes 10 clones was fermented in small stainless-steel fermenters for 21 days then aged for 9 months in 25% new French oak.

The nose shows nicely with tart red cherry, cranberry with hints of strawberry all wrapped around woodsy earth notes. Excellent aroma. The mouth is full of beautiful fruit with cherry, strawberry and a hint of cranberry followed by dried herbs and a kiss of oak on the silky-smooth finish. I enjoyed this wine paired with pasta and a light red sauce, but this drinks very well on its own. Afterall when cooking you must taste the wine to ensure it is of the best quality!

If you are in the Healdsburg area on your next visit to wine country, you should make a stop in the Banshee Wines Tasting Room and sip a few of these gems they offer.

If you have tasted this wine or like this winery, drop us a note on the blog and tell us about it.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Giapoza Pinot Noir Michael Pozzan Winery

 

Another local wine store purchase and one of the favorite labels of the customers of the wine shop. The owner brings in wineries for a meet and greet and Pozzan I believe was one I missed. I'll be happy when we are passed covid and once again wineries will be showcased here in town for all of us wine lovers.

The 2018 Giapoza Pinot Noir is so aromatic with red berries, fresh cut rose pedals with hints of orange peel, barrel spice and toasted oak. The mouth shows beautiful layers of fruit and spice. Strawberries with a hint of cranberry, orange zest with herbs and a warm cinnamon spice. A really nice Pinot under $20.00 and drinks like $40.

If you have tasted this wine or any of the Pozzan wines drop us a comment on the blog.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Pasqua Sangiovese Puglia

 

A local wine store purchase, the Italian wine drinking fun continues. Hopefully in the near future a trip to Italy will get a check mark on my bucket list.

The 2018 Sangiovese on the nose cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit race from the glass with hints of floral notes and vanilla. The mouth is quite juicy with beautiful red fruit clusters of cherry, strawberry and raspberry followed by a nice kiss of blueberries and vanilla. Big on flavor but soft and delicate. A really nice wine for the price. Paired with deep dish pizza but tastes just as good all by itself.

Cheers

Dan

2019 Ceja Vineyards Pinot Noir Napa Valley Carneros

 

A purchase from one of my favorite wineries Ceja Vinyards a Mexican American family-owned winery in beautiful Carneros. Ironically, they were the first winery I visited on my trip to Napa which seems light years ago. I've been buying and drinking their juice ever since.

The 2019 Pinot Noir has a beautiful nose of crushed red cherries and cinnamon followed by herbal notes and spice. Exceptional aromatics and so pleasing. The mouth is lush and juicy with tart cherry, cranberry and a perfect kiss of herbs and spice on the long finish. A perfect expression of Carneros.

Highly recommend stopping at the Ceja Tasting Room on your next visit to the Napa Valley and taste sip and savor some very delicious, handcrafted wines. Join the wine club while you are there and have these wines delivered right to your door.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Pedroncelli Sangiovese Alto Vineyards Sonoma County Dry Creek Valley

 

A purchase direct from the Pedroncelli Family Winery, I'm on an Italian wine phase and this beauty you could drink pretty much anytime of the day. It's ok in the mother country why not here. Huge fan of this family winery and the juice they produce.

Grapes hailing from the hillside terraced estate Alto Vineyard in Geyserville, was the source for this Italian beauty. As soon as I pulled the cork and poured, ripe cherry, dark plum with hints of barrel spice race from the glass. The mouth is lush and elegant with tart sour cherry, strawberry, raspberry and plum complimented by a warm spice on the finish. Give this wine an A++++.  I intended to pair this wine with some pasta and red sauce or pizza Julie, but the bottle never lasted. Guess I'll need to order more!

Recommend this winery on your next visit to the Sonoma side of the valley. Head north of Healdsburg and jump off on Canyon Road. Your palate will thank you and so will the Pedroncelli's.

If you have tasted the wine or visited the winery, give us a comment on the blog and let us know about your experience.

Cheers

Dan

2018 Torii Mor Pinot Noir Willamette Valley

 

A purchase from my local wine shop, I snapped up a bottle of Torii Mor Pinot which might have come highly recommended by the shop owner. I'm game for Pinot as you already know!

Screw cap closure the 2018 Pinot Noir was sourced from 9 vineyards which included the Olson Vineyard, with harvest occurring from late September to early October. A really good vintage for Oregon this year due to the warm dry weather and the absence of heat spikes.

The nose opens with crushed blueberries, dark cherry and raspberry with a hint of rose pedals and earthy herbs. Really pleasant on the nose. The mouth is lush and juicy with cherry, raspberry and pomegranate followed by a kiss of herbs and earth finishing with a little toasted vanilla. The finish is long and soft but this wine is not short on flavor. Enjoyable paired with your favorite dish or sipping by itself I'd give this wine an A+.

My next visit to Oregon I'll need to make a visit and sip a few more of their wines.

Cheers

Dan

2017 Hook & Ladder The Tillerman Red Wine Blend Chalk Hill Sonoma County Estate Bottled

 

Huge fan of Hook & Ladder Winery and winemaker Jason Deloach. Launched in 2003 by his grandfather and grandmother after the sale of Deloach vineyards, the winery amply named after Grandpa Cecil's 17 year career as a firefighter. Jason joined 3 years later and is making exceptional wines.

I had the opportunity to visit Hook and Ladder a few years ago meeting Jason and his wife, getting a tour of their operation and one of the highlights was having the opportunity to barrel taste. Folks if you ever get a chance to barrel taste by all means jump on it. The progression of a varietal from early barrel life to ready to bottle in your mouth is eye popping. Imaging bitter to heck yes give me another glass of that one and having the winemaker talk about the barrel ageing and transformation. Great wine learning experience.

The Tillerman Red is a wine I like to have on hand for its versatility and is an easy sipping wine. If you check their website out the 2019 is the current release but the consistency vintage to vintage is what makes this wine special as all their wines. The 2017 is a blend of 49% Cabernet, 1% Sangiovese, 26% Cabernet Franc and 24% Merlot all harvested from the family's Los Amigos Ranch in the Chalk Hill district. The nose is full of ripe berries with dark cherry, raspberry, with a hint of floral notes and spice. The mouth is full of juicy raspberry, hints of cherry with black currants, a kiss of spice and earth on the smooth silky long finish. 

Touring wine country, I would recommend a stop at Hook and Ladder Winery to taste, sip and savor. They would appreciate you buy a bottle or 3 and even sign up for their wine club to receive shipments right to your home. 

Keep an eye out I have a few more of their newer vintages to taste!

Cheers

Eric Ross Winery "Taste The Vineyard"

 

Driving up Arnolds Drive in Glen Ellen you come across on your left what appears to be a red rustic general store at first glance but soon you realize no it's the king of Struttin Red Eric Ross Winery. It also doesn't hurt when you see this friendly but large steel rooster welcoming you to the winery. Be careful he is always watching you!

Inside is cozy and warming giving you the chance to sip wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Behind the counter pouring is none other than Eric Luse owner and winemaker cracking jokes and talking about his exquisite wines. Originally from the Midwest, Erics family were dairy farmers in the Emmetsburg Iowa area before their move west. I will say his Midwest hospitality has followed him all these years because you will not meet a more down to earth host.

I've basically tasted his entire portfolio of wine from the Struttin Red and White, Albarino, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, Cabernet but he let me know I'm sure you never tasted the Gout De La Vigne. He was correct the only wine I have not sipped from him (he even signed the bottle).

The 2017 Gout De La Vigne Silver Image is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. The first thing you notice is the light ruby color as you swirl the wine in your glass. The nose showcases red and dark fruit with raspberry, strawberry/cranberry followed by hints of blackberry and spice. The mouth luxurious, silky with red and dark fruit along with a kiss of spice on the lingering finish. Medium bodied yet elegant and not overpowering. Drink while preparing dinner (I always taste the wine to ensure it will pair well) and I will say firsthand this pairs nicely with my homemade vegetable beef soup.

Eric Ross Winery is a must stop on your list of tastings on the Sonoma side of the valley. The trademark "Taste The Vineyard" is truly in every bottle specific to the vineyards the grapes represent and the geographic region in which they are grown. Doesn't hurt that Eric has this winemaking down pretty well. 

Pedroncelli Winery Geyserville California, A Little Taste Of Heaven

  

At 1220 Canyon Road in Geyserville you will find the wines of Pedroncelli Winery, a family-owned wine producer since 1927. For over nine decades, the Pedroncelli's have been producing fine wines which you can enjoy with confidence.

Great wine starts in the vineyard and the Dry Creek Valley is known as prime land for growing grapes which the Pedroncelli's are well versed. Interesting fact half of the Zinfandel planted In Sonoma County is in the Dry Creek Valley. The marine fog intrusion in the evening cooling the grapes makes this valley ideal for quality fruit. Another interesting fact is the consistency of the winemaking, cellar and vineyard team with multiple years of experience, they know and understand every piece of the process from growing, to harvest and crush, to winemaking, blending and bottling. 

My friends Julie and Ed tell me there are I believe 21 wines produced by Pedroncelli under the watchful eye of winemaker Montse Reese. Having tasted through most if not all of the portfolio at one time or another, I will say consistent, eloquent, food friendly and quality in each bottle. Some of the wines recently to dance across my palate include the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, the 2019 Pinot Noir and the 2018 Zinfandel.

Pedroncelli's Sauvignon Blanc is a fan favorite with notes of pear, apple, Meyer lemon, tropical fruits with a hint of minerality. I love to pair this wine with both chicken and seafood and also on it's own. Love this crisp clean wine.

Regardless of vintage the Pinot Noir drinks like a $50 wine with a nose of rose pedals, cherries and vanilla bean. The mouth carries from the aromas with juicy cherry, plum and a kiss of toasted vanilla. I love pairing this with wine with maple glazed salmon or any salmon dish. 

The mother clone Zinfandel rounds out my recent tasting with clusters of ripe berries, a hint of pepper and cinnamon. The mouth starts with a wild berry jam, cherry with a hint of vanilla and spice on the finish. I absolutely love pairing this wine with anything barbeque, it elevates the meal.

Pedroncelli is a must stop when visiting Sonoma County. White, rose', soft reds, bolder reds they have it all. What you will find are quality wines that won't break the bank. Did I mention that they are some of best people you will meet in the industry.