Pedroncelli Russian River Pinot Noir 2015
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2016-
James
Suckling
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Grape growing since 1927 in Sonoma County for four generations. Second, third and fourth generations work side-by-side today. The Pedroncelli family farms 105 acres of estate vineyard in northern Dry Creek Valley and sources fruit from neighboring growers making regionally focused, perfectly balanced, varietally correct wines. Pedroncelli wines are made with food, friends, and family in mind. California wines with an Old-World twist. Ever since John Pedroncelli, Sr. purchased his 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.
The climate, where the development in ripening grapes is protected from the heat by the marine fog intrusion in the evenings, is singular and unparalleled. Pedroncelli wines are regionally focused and site specific and we’ve learned to pair the right varietal with the best site creating great character. Half of all Zinfandel planted in Sonoma County is in Dry Creek Valley; it’s been growing here since the 1860s and on Pedroncelli's ranch since the early 1900s.
As a family winery who has farmed for 80 years in the Dry Creek Valley, they want the next generations to be able to continue farming in an environmentally sensitive way. The most important statement they can make about our wine is that they are here for the long term and protecting the environment is one way they will achieve that goal.
At Pedroncelli Winery, they practice sustainable winegrowing and, over the years, they have been reducing water use, building healthy soil, and protecting the vineyard environment. This is a comprehensive approach to vineyard management that involves all aspects of farming including human resources, viticulture, soil management, water management, pest management, habitat management, and wine quality.
While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.
Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.