Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon “Brother’s Mark”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Estate fruit harvested from the northern reaches of Dry Creek Valley, where these Bordeaux varietals excel.
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot were hand-picked just a mile from the winery.
- Here these varietals develop exceptional character on the vineyard sites situated on the valley bench.
- The vines receive the right amount of sun and cooling fog which develops optimal flavors in the grapes.
Varietal Composition: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot,
Elaboration: Grapes are de-stemmed, fully crushed, and cold soaked for 48 hours. The must is inoculated with the Bordeaux yeast strain and fermented/ macerated in stainless steel tanks. The fermenting juice is pumped over the cap daily for extraction of color, tannins and flavor until dry. Once pressed it is stored until barreled in the winter. 65% of the Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in American oak barrels for 16 months in order to develop smoothness and complexity. An additional 35% was aged in new French oak to provide a subtle backbone of vanilla and toasted oak highlights.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of cassis, spicy oak and mocha introduce this medium bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft tannins are framed by black plum and cherry followed by highlights of dried herbs and dark chocolate notes. Great structure and good acidity combine with a persistent and rounded finish. Enjoy upon release or cellar up to ten more years.
PRESS
2020 – 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.