Full Review

Pedroncelli

Pedroncelli
2020 Bench Vineyards, Merlot, Dry Creek Valley

Pair this wine with:
Beef Cheese Pasta Pork

Category: Merlot

Date Tasted:
Country: USA
Alcohol: 13.7% RS: .2%
92 Points
Gold Medal
Exceptional
$24

Pedroncelli
2020 Bench Vineyards, Merlot, Dry Creek Valley

Pair this wine with:
Beef Cheese Pasta Pork

Category: Merlot

Date Tasted:
Country: USA
Alcohol: 13.7% RS: .2%
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of plum sauce, red cherry preserves, cocoa nibs, and cigar box with a round, lively, dry medium body and a warming, amusing, medium-length finish with suggestions of baked plum, strawberry and red cherry, pencil shavings, and sautéed herbs with well-integrated, medium tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. Classic Merlot is really just a thing of beauty and it’s a shame that so many people overlook it; don’t miss this one.

Tasting Info

Wine Glass Style: New World
Aroma Aroma: plum sauce, red cherry preserves, cocoa nibs, and cigar box
Taste Flavor: Same as aromas with suggestions of baked plum, strawberry and red cherry, pencil shavings, and sautéed herbs
Sweetness Sweetness: Dry
Enjoy Enjoy: Now-3 years with food and on its own
Recipes Pairing: Baked Ham, Meat Loaf, Lasagna
Bottom Line Bottom Line: Classic Merlot is really just a thing of beauty and it's a shame that so many people overlook it; don't miss this one.

The Producer

J. Pedroncelli Winery

The Producer
1220 Canyon Rd
Geyserville, CA 95441
USA
1 707-857-3531

Their Portfolio

85 Pedroncelli 2019 Bushnell Vineyard, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 16% (USA) $30.00.
90 Pedroncelli 2019 Three Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley 14.4% (USA) $24.00.
93 Pedroncelli 2019 Block 007 Estate Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley 14.5% (USA) $30.00.
93 Pedroncelli 2019 Bench Vineyards, Merlot, Dry Creek Valley 14.5% (USA) $22.00.
88 Pedroncelli 2019 Barrel Select Sonoma Classico Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley 14.4% (USA) $24.00.
BR Pedroncelli 2018 "Courage" Faloni Vineyard, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 16.2% (USA) $40.00. - Bronze Medal
88 Pedroncelli 2021 Signature Selection Rosé, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 13.9% (USA) $22.00.
89 Pedroncelli 2021 Signature Selection, Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley 14% (USA) $20.00.
89 Pedroncelli 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County 13.9% (USA) $16.00.
88 Pedroncelli 2021 Signature Selection, Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley 14% (USA) $20.00.
90 Pedroncelli 2021 F. Johnson Vineyard, Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley 14.2% (USA) $38.00.
93 Pedroncelli 2020 Three Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley 14.3% (USA) $24.00.
92 Pedroncelli 2020 Bench Vineyards, Merlot, Dry Creek Valley 13.7% (USA) $24.00.
90 Pedroncelli 2020 Block 007 Estate Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley 13.9% (USA) $36.00.
90 Pedroncelli 2017 Three Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley 14.4% (USA) $36.00.
91 Pedroncelli 2012 Four Grapes Vintage Port, Dry Creek Valley 19% (USA) $45.00.
92 Pedroncelli 2022 Brother’s Mark, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley 14.5% (USA) $24.00.
90 Pedroncelli 2021 Wisdom Estate Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley 14.5% (USA) $60.00.
91 Pedroncelli 2021 Courage Faloni Vineyard, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 15.4% (USA) $48.00.

Merlot

Wine Glass Cabernet.jpg
Serve in a Cabernet Wine Glass
Merlot is a red variety that is loved by consumers, yet often shunned by certain wine gurus and critics, as they perceive these wines as “little sisters” to the more powerful Cabernet Sauvignon. Yet on its own, the best examples of Merlot are multi-layered, complex wines that are among the finest in the world.

Merlot has many similar flavors to Cabernet Sauvignon, especially with its cherry and plum fruit, but is has fewer, less sharp tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon. Many producers whether in Bordeaux, America, Chile or elsewhere, often blend small percentages of Merlot into Cabernet Sauvignon to lessen the tannic bitterness of the latter.

A few districts in France’s Bordeaux region, namely Pomerol, are home to the greatest examples of Merlot. Chateau Petrus is the world’s most famous example of Merlot, a powerful wine that ages beautifully for 30 or 40 years in the best vintages. There are also celebrated examples from American, especially in Washington’s Walla Walla valley as well as in Napa Valley in California. Merlot is also very successful in Chile, New Zealand and even in certain part of Italy.

Merlot pairs best with foods such as lamb or veal, but it also sought out by consumers to accompany steaks and roast when they want a rounder, more elegant red wine.