Winemaker Notes
The Mother Clone is a classic Dry Creek Zinfandel with aromas of ripe red berries with a touch of cinnamon and white pepper. Jammy berry and cherry flavors combine with vanilla, licorice and baking spice. The dynamic berry-spice combination brings together round tannins and a zesty finish which are a hallmark of their style.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Plump and jammy, with lively flavors of blackberry and cherry accented by licorice, cracked pepper and roasted sage.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The 2023 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel carries on a legacy that began with the family’s first vineyard plantings in the 1920s. Deep ruby in color, it opens with expressive aromas of bramble berries and red licorice. On the palate, it is both smooth and firmly structured, delivering juicy layers of dark fruit framed by supple tannins. A touch of oak aging adds subtle spice and depth, enhancing its classic Dry Creek Valley character. This flagship Zinfandel pairs beautifully with Sonoma-style grilled beef short ribs, marinated in red wine, garlic, and fresh herbs before being slow-grilled over oak. The wine’s ripe berry notes and gentle spice complement the smoky richness and savory flavors of the dish, creating a quintessential Sonoma pairing. (Tasted: September 19, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
Pedroncelli - Dry Creek Valley’s Benchmark Estate Winery.
Since 1927, the Pedroncelli Winery family has made wines from Dry Creek Valley that reflect place, climate, and craft. Four generations on, the legacy continues, pairing each varietal with its ideal site across 100 estate acres. A leader in Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc, Pedroncelli champions these signature varietals as benchmarks of the estate and region. Guided by decades of experience and rooted in tradition, Pedroncelli crafts balanced, regionally expressive wines in a distinct house style made for food and the table. Thoughtfully produced and sustainably farmed to carry the legacy forward.
Unapologetically bold, spice-driven and jammy, Zinfandel has secured its title as the darling of California vintners by adapting well to the state's diverse microclimates and landscapes. Born in Croatia, it later made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, and it later made its way to New England in 1829. Parading the true American spirit, Zinfandel found a new home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849. Somm Secret—California's ancient vines of Zinfandel are those that survived the neglect of Prohibition; today these vines produce the most concentrated, ethereal and complex examples.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.