Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon “Block 007”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The Pedroncelli vineyards are assigned block numbers to identify them as they are planted. Block 007 refers to one portion of the vineyard located a mile west of the winery, on the eastern bench above Dry Creek.
- This block has consistently produced fruit of singular quality.
- Pedroncelli farms 33 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon on the estate and are the first winery to plant the king of red wine grapes in Dry Creek Valley circa 1965. Block 007 was planted in 1992.
Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Elaboration: The vines are trained on the Scott Henry trellis system which splits the cordon arms into a double tier. This is for optimum production and ripeness. The soil is well drained and located next to Canyon Creek where it is gravelly and ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.. The juice and berries are cold-soaked for 48 hours and then inoculated with the Bordeaux yeast strain. Fermentation in our small capacity temperature- controlled stainless steel tank gave optimal skin/juice ratio and better extraction of flavor and color. The young wine was transferred to small French oak barrels to age for seventeen months with 40% new oak.
Tasting Notes: Intriguing aromas of blackberry, dried herbs, and toasted oak notes are typical of this vineyard’s personality. Round tannins introduce berry flavors combined with a touch of pepper, vanilla, cedar, and mocha notes. A long finish framed by bright acidity is simply elegant. Full-bodied, the wine’s great structure leads to marvelous aging potential.
PRESS
2021 – 90 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Since 1927, when John Pedroncelli Sr. purchased vineyard and a small winery in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, two elements remain unchanged: the exceptional place the Pedroncelli family farms vineyards, and the family’s dedication to making fine wines. From selling grapes to home winemakers during prohibition in order to keep the vineyards going, to growing a small base of business during the 1930s and 1940s, to the second generation joining their father. The eldest, John, became winemaker in 1948 followed by the younger son, Jim in 1955, as sales director. In 1963 the winery was officially purchased by John and Jim from their father, to growing the line of wines in the 1960s with vineyard expansion and diversification, to the boom time of the 1970s and 1980s along with many changes and additions to the sales base including national sales and export. The third generation came on board and vineyard replanting in the 1990s to the 21st century refining their focus to restaurants and casual dining/meet-up wine bars and independent wine shops across the nation. The transfer of ownership of the company to the third generation (now a 70% woman owned company with a woman winemaker!) to the second decade in the new millennium where the fourth generation is coming up the ranks…Nine decades strong, they are still family owned and operated. It all adds up to tradition, heritage and a family of wines you can enjoy with confidence.