Pedroncelli Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2018

This family winery was founded by Giovanni and Julia Pedroncelli in 1927, and is now run by their son Jim following the death of his brother John in early 2015. Jim is assisted by their children and the fourth generation of the family is already waiting in the wings.

Situated in California’s Sonoma County, the vineyard, winery and homestead are all located in Dry Creek Valley, an area to the west of Geyserville which is widely recognized as one of California’s great vineyard regions.

The family’s vineyards are on the eastern benches and hillsides, where well-drained gravelly soils help concentrate varietal character. The family has been purchasing new vineyards when available over the last 90 years, and now has 105 acres (42 ha), which are planted with zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon, petite sirah, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and many more, including the traditional port varieties.

The grapes are all harvested by hand to ensure that only the healthiest fruit is selected. The wines are fermented plot by plot in stainless-steel tanks and, if aged, are put into predominantly American oak barrels. The winemaking is fairly traditional and ‘hands off’, with the aim of achieving balanced wines that reflect the Dry Creek Valley.