2023 Pedroncelli Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes
John and Jim Pedroncelli first planted Cabernet Sauvignon in 1965, making their mark in Dry Creek Valley. This was at the beginning of their six-decade business partnership, which included many other milestones along the way. This wine blends brethren Bordeaux varieties and builds layers of striking flavors and character. The brothers have left an indelible mark on our family, our valley, and the wine community.
Grape & Winemaking Notes
Estate fruit was harvested from the East Side Vineyard and picked just a mile from the winery. Each of the Bordeaux grapes developed exceptional character on the vineyard sites situated on the valley floor and bench. The vines receive the right amount of sun and cooling fog, which develops optimal flavors in the grapes.
The successful 2023 harvest brought excellent fruit quality and wines showing bright acidity and ripe fruit. The growing season was characterized by above-average rainfall, cool temperatures, and a long, slow maturation period, leading to a later harvest compared to previous years. The vintage brought a nice concentration of aromas and flavors.
Once at the crush pad, the grapes are de-stemmed and cold-soaked for 48 hours. Inoculated with the Bordeaux yeast strain, fermentation followed in stainless steel tanks. During this time, in order to get the best color and flavor, the juice is circulated over the cap daily and gently macerated to extract the color and flavors from the skins. Once dry, the new wine is pressed and stored until barreled in the winter. The separate lots were aged in French oak barrels for twelve months in order to develop smoothness and complexity.
Aromas of cassis, mocha, and spicy oak introduce this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. Flavors are framed by black plum, toffee, and spice with a touch of dried green herbs. Vanilla notes and minerality harmonize with a rounded finish highlighted by toasted oak and blackberry fruit. Drink upon release or cellar up to ten more years.
Aging: 12 months in French Oak barrels, 30% new oak
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.79
Total Acidity: 5.4 g/L
2023 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes
Definition of a classic: judged over a while to be of the highest quality and an outstanding example. Sonoma County’s classic roots are in those early blends ranging from “Burgundy”, “Claret”, and “Mountain Red” to today’s high-end “Red Wine Blends”. These wines have been a regular part of Sonoma County’s heritage. Sonoma Classico is the next step in the evolution of these blends. The classic style invites you to gather around the table as it becomes part of the meal, not the centerpiece. It is the sharing of this wine with family and friends that defines it as a standard.
The Vineyard & Cellar Notes
The growing season was preceded by abundant rain, and the cooler-than-normal temperatures delayed bud break through the spring and summer. Slowing maturity during this time allows the grapes to develop more exceptional aromas and flavors. Moderate sugars made the wine balanced and deeply flavorful.
Barrel aging took place over 12 months in new and seasoned American oak barrels with 28% new oak. Working toward an approachable style, the time in oak softens the wine and adds complex layers to the finished product. The oak influence is nuanced and a supporting player because of the judicious use of new oak blended with neutral barrels.
From the fruit-forward aromas to the lingering flavors, Sonoma Classico blends the characteristics of each grape seamlessly: red fruit with a touch of warm cooking spices; a rich and velvety taste with plum, spice, and dark berries. Smooth tannins and light toast notes highlight the rounded and lasting finish.
Specs
Composition: A proprietary blend of Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Aging: 12 months in American Oak barrels, 28% new oak
Alcohol: 14.5%
pH: 3.73
Total Acidity: .600g / 100 ml
2023 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Home Ranch Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes
The Pedroncelli house is founded on Zinfandel. It was the first grape planted in the early 1900s, it was the first wine founder Giovanni made after Prohibition ended and it was also the first varietal we labeled under our name in 1947. Using the budwood from the mother vineyard to clone a second generation carries our vineyard story forward, echoing the generations of our family. The fruit from three generations of these “mother” vines are part of the blend as well as fruit from the Bushnell and Giovannoni vineyards.
Harvest & Winemaking Notes
The growing season was preceded by abundant rain, and the cooler-than-normal temperatures delayed bud break through the spring and summer. Slowing the maturity during this time allows the grapes to develop more exceptional aromas and flavors. Moderate sugars made the wine balanced and deeply flavorful.
At the crush pad, de-stemmed grapes are transferred to a fermentation tank to cold soak for 48 hours and then are inoculated with selected yeast. Daily pump-overs and fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks with delestage regimes are done for maximum phenolic extraction. Pressing follows, and the new wine is transferred to storage tanks until barreled-down. Twelve months of aging in American oak barrels develop additional complexity. The addition of Petite Sirah (12%) adds depth and structure to the wine.
Our Mother Clone is a classic ‘Dry Creek’ Zinfandel with spicy aromas of cinnamon and white pepper, along with red berries and a touch of vanilla. Black cherry flavors blend with vanilla, licorice, and warm baking spices with balanced acidity. The berry-spice combination, so typical of Dry Creek Zin, includes a round peppery finish, which is a hallmark of our style. Enjoy now or cellar for three to five years.
Specs
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Aging: 12 months in American Oak barrels, 30% new oak
Alcohol: 15%
pH: 3.71
Total Acidity: .580g / 100 ml
What’s Included
6-bottles:
2x 2023 Pedroncelli Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley
2x 2023 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley
2x 2023 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Home Ranch Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley Case:
4x 2023 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Home Ranch Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
4x 2023 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley
4x 2023 Pedroncelli Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley
For nearly a century, the Pedroncelli family has been crafting exceptional wines in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. It all began in 1927 when John Pedroncelli, Sr. purchased a vineyard and a small winery west of Geyserville; two elements have remained unchanged since then - the exceptional place the Pedroncelli family farms their vineyards and their dedication to creating fine wines.
For nine decades, the Pedroncelli family has been producing wines of the highest quality, tradition, and heritage. Their commitment to excellence and their family-run business make them a trusted source of great wines - enjoy them with confidence.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
TrinSF (with charming Leo) checking in before bedtime here. We were sent the 2023 Sonoma Red Blend to taste for you all.
I don’t know what to say that everyone doesn’t already know. This is a super easy-drinking red. Dark burgundy looking in the glass, very “leggy”. The taste is balanced with fruit and a bit of spice to it. Charming Leo opines:
Tasted between meals at room temperature, after allowing to breathe for a few minutes.
Nose: Bright berries, almost no mineral/earth or oak. Maybe a hint of honey.
Palate: As someone more used to big knock-you-over Cabs and Zins, this isn’t nearly as “big” in flavor. Still, it’s very much in that ballpark – as if you took a Cabernet and dialed it back to 7. Very pleasant, almost relaxing by comparison. Nice berry flavors, very little tannin, with a sweet back note. Very slightly earthy finish.
IMHO, this would be a good value at $20. At $12, it’s a steal. [$12 was our guess on the bottle price before the wine went live.]
We had ramen and gyoza for dinner – probably not a great pairing, but we’d already both had a couple of glasses worth of this before the food arrived. Half the bottle left. For us, that’s a sign that we’re enjoying it.
My apologies for not having a longer review. It’s a nice red, with a lovely classic presentation. Get a case and give some of the bottles away as holiday gifts – everyone who gets a bottle will be happy with it, too!
LabRat here! I received a bottle of the Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was a really nice garnet color on the first pour. I’ve had a lot of really heavy cabs lately that seem to be fruit bombs and this was a very nice change. This wine had very balanced flavors of plum as well as slight oak and some other notes I’m not great at identifying. I’m used to earthy notes as a balance but this had some oak and a blend of nonfruit flavors that were unique to me. I was interested in learning more about the wine so looked at their website. It mentioned ‘aromas of baking spices’ - I could totally see that.
I think this would be a great wine for a variety of palates. I tend to drink Zins so appreciated the fruits in this cab. But my friends who don’t like the stronger or spicier wines would like this.
This is also pares very well with chocolate. I opened this up the day after Thanksgiving with some friends who stopped by and had some chocolates out. It paired very well.
I’ve visited Pedroncelli when I was wine tasting and bought from them before. I’ve always enjoyed their wines and this was a great addition!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Pedroncelli Mixed Reds - $30 = 16.66%
Most y’all don’t give a turkey’s neck about Pedroncelli reviews, or any reviews, but hey…
Let’s start off with Wilfred Wong and the '23 Cab:
90 points. The 2023 Pedroncelli Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep ruby expression of Dry Creek Valley. Aged in a mix of French and American oak, it opens with evocative aromas of rustic spice and ripe blackberries. On the palate, it is generous and mouth-coating, delivering layers of dark berry fruit framed by polished tannins. Subtle oak notes of toast and cedar add depth and structure without overshadowing the fruit. This bold yet balanced Cabernet is an ideal companion for a Sonoma-style grilled ribeye topped with Cabernet butter, where the wine’s richness and spice harmonize beautifully with the savory, charred beef and the lush, wine-infused butter. (Tasted: September 19, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
Cab, 90 points from Mr Suckling:
This has earthy, savory, peppery complexity reminiscent of Chianti Classico. Dark, stony fruit flavors like blackberries and grilled plums blend with wood smoke, beef jus and tobacco leaf flavors. Moderate tannins and decent acidity help the texture. Drink now. 6/25
WE, the Cab again:
90 points. This big, broad Cabernet delivers aromas of spiced cherry, black plum, cocoa powder, and black pepper on the nose, with rich, drying tannin providing the structure for a palate with flavors of black berries, Bing cherry compote, graphite, and violets. Give this some time in the cellar or decant for at least an hour. — Tom R. Capo 12/31/25 (no back to the future comments please)
Spectator, the Cab again, seems it made the rounds:
88 points. A gentle, slow-moving red, with a soft-edged core of plum and black cherry preserves infused with a light vanilla note on the finish. Drink now through 2027. 13,500 cases made. James Molesworth December 31, 2025 (see above)
Back to Wilfred, the Red blend:
90 points. The 2023 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico is a medium ruby-hued blend of Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese, aged for a year in American oak. It opens with enticing aromas of ripe black plums layered with fragrant spice. On the palate, the wine is lively and well-balanced, carrying juicy plum flavors framed by bright acidity and smooth tannins. A touch of oak adds subtle toast and depth without overshadowing the fruit. This approachable yet expressive Dry Creek Valley red is a natural match for rotisserie lamb seasoned with fresh herbs, where the wine’s vibrant fruit and spice beautifully complement the savory, aromatic flavors of the dish. (Tasted: September 19, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
Staying with the Classico Red Blend…
Wine Spectator:
90 points. Recalls the hearty, friendly field-blend reds of the old days, with snappy cherry, currant, toasty spice and tomato leaf flavors that zip along the finish. Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2033. 6,200 cases made. Tim Fish November 30, 2025 (yeah, yeah)
Staying with Spectator, the Mother Clone Zin:
91 points. Plump and jammy, with lively flavors of blackberry and cherry accented by licorice, cracked pepper and roasted sage. Drink now through 2032. 11,600 cases made. Tim Fish October 27, 2025
This zin packs a punch right out of the bottle. Its rich red color is a preview of what to expect when it hits your palate. It’s a full-bodied wine with a sharp opening, but it smooths out nicely with some air. The first sip was full of earthy spice, while later sips became more berry-forward as it opened up. It would undoubtedly be a hit with a meat heavy meal, and a great bold Zin for wintertime.
Same vintage of the mother clone that I ratted earlier this month. That zin mix was well worth it at ~$16/bottle, this is almost $4 less each in the case…
@james It keeps getting better…in theory. We have a hard time not drinking it all up when we get some! We’ve been fans of Mother Clone/Boss Monster for 15 years or so and offerings like this are what makes me love this site.
@klezman@SmilingBoognish Haha I try; just wish I had the same level of discipline and restraint
(also lol had to paste in an emoji since the mehditor emojis are broken?)
@james@SmilingBoognish One way to have that restraint is to have far too much wine so that you always want to drink the older stuff and then the younger stuff just naturally sits there a bunch.
2023 Pedroncelli Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes
Grape & Winemaking Notes
Specs
2023 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes
The Vineyard & Cellar Notes
Specs
2023 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Home Ranch Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
Tasting Notes
Harvest & Winemaking Notes
Specs
What’s Included
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$259.20/Case for 4x 2023 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel, Home Ranch Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley + 4x 2023 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley + 4x 2023 Pedroncelli Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley at Pedroncelli Winery & Vineyards
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Dec 22 - Friday, Dec 26
Pedroncelli Mixed Reds
6 bottles for $89.99 $15/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $149.99 $12.50/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2023 Pedroncelli Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon
2023 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico Red Blend
2023 Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel
/giphy fishy-heavy-number
Hard to pass up, Pedroncelli does drink nicely!
2023 Sonoma Classico Red Blend
TrinSF (with charming Leo) checking in before bedtime here. We were sent the 2023 Sonoma Red Blend to taste for you all.
I don’t know what to say that everyone doesn’t already know. This is a super easy-drinking red. Dark burgundy looking in the glass, very “leggy”. The taste is balanced with fruit and a bit of spice to it. Charming Leo opines:
We had ramen and gyoza for dinner – probably not a great pairing, but we’d already both had a couple of glasses worth of this before the food arrived.
Half the bottle left. For us, that’s a sign that we’re enjoying it.
My apologies for not having a longer review. It’s a nice red, with a lovely classic presentation. Get a case and give some of the bottles away as holiday gifts – everyone who gets a bottle will be happy with it, too!
2023 Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon
LabRat here! I received a bottle of the Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was a really nice garnet color on the first pour. I’ve had a lot of really heavy cabs lately that seem to be fruit bombs and this was a very nice change. This wine had very balanced flavors of plum as well as slight oak and some other notes I’m not great at identifying. I’m used to earthy notes as a balance but this had some oak and a blend of nonfruit flavors that were unique to me. I was interested in learning more about the wine so looked at their website. It mentioned ‘aromas of baking spices’ - I could totally see that.
I think this would be a great wine for a variety of palates. I tend to drink Zins so appreciated the fruits in this cab. But my friends who don’t like the stronger or spicier wines would like this.
This is also pares very well with chocolate. I opened this up the day after Thanksgiving with some friends who stopped by and had some chocolates out. It paired very well.
I’ve visited Pedroncelli when I was wine tasting and bought from them before. I’ve always enjoyed their wines and this was a great addition!
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
Pedroncelli Mixed Reds - $30 = 16.66%
Most y’all don’t give a turkey’s neck
about Pedroncelli reviews, or any reviews, but hey…
Let’s start off with Wilfred Wong and the '23 Cab:
90 points. The 2023 Pedroncelli Brother’s Mark Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep ruby expression of Dry Creek Valley. Aged in a mix of French and American oak, it opens with evocative aromas of rustic spice and ripe blackberries. On the palate, it is generous and mouth-coating, delivering layers of dark berry fruit framed by polished tannins. Subtle oak notes of toast and cedar add depth and structure without overshadowing the fruit. This bold yet balanced Cabernet is an ideal companion for a Sonoma-style grilled ribeye topped with Cabernet butter, where the wine’s richness and spice harmonize beautifully with the savory, charred beef and the lush, wine-infused butter. (Tasted: September 19, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
Cab, 90 points from Mr Suckling:
This has earthy, savory, peppery complexity reminiscent of Chianti Classico. Dark, stony fruit flavors like blackberries and grilled plums blend with wood smoke, beef jus and tobacco leaf flavors. Moderate tannins and decent acidity help the texture. Drink now. 6/25
WE, the Cab again:
90 points. This big, broad Cabernet delivers aromas of spiced cherry, black plum, cocoa powder, and black pepper on the nose, with rich, drying tannin providing the structure for a palate with flavors of black berries, Bing cherry compote, graphite, and violets. Give this some time in the cellar or decant for at least an hour. — Tom R. Capo 12/31/25 (no back to the future comments please)
Spectator, the Cab again, seems it made the rounds:
88 points. A gentle, slow-moving red, with a soft-edged core of plum and black cherry preserves infused with a light vanilla note on the finish. Drink now through 2027. 13,500 cases made. James Molesworth December 31, 2025 (see above)
Back to Wilfred, the Red blend:
90 points. The 2023 Pedroncelli Sonoma Classico is a medium ruby-hued blend of Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese, aged for a year in American oak. It opens with enticing aromas of ripe black plums layered with fragrant spice. On the palate, the wine is lively and well-balanced, carrying juicy plum flavors framed by bright acidity and smooth tannins. A touch of oak adds subtle toast and depth without overshadowing the fruit. This approachable yet expressive Dry Creek Valley red is a natural match for rotisserie lamb seasoned with fresh herbs, where the wine’s vibrant fruit and spice beautifully complement the savory, aromatic flavors of the dish. (Tasted: September 19, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
Staying with the Classico Red Blend…
Wine Spectator:
90 points. Recalls the hearty, friendly field-blend reds of the old days, with snappy cherry, currant, toasty spice and tomato leaf flavors that zip along the finish. Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Sangiovese. Drink now through 2033. 6,200 cases made. Tim Fish November 30, 2025 (yeah, yeah)
Staying with Spectator, the Mother Clone Zin:
91 points. Plump and jammy, with lively flavors of blackberry and cherry accented by licorice, cracked pepper and roasted sage. Drink now through 2032. 11,600 cases made. Tim Fish October 27, 2025
fwiw
@kaolis
Nothing from Luca Maroni to go along with Wong?
2023 Mother Clone Zinfandel
This zin packs a punch right out of the bottle. Its rich red color is a preview of what to expect when it hits your palate. It’s a full-bodied wine with a sharp opening, but it smooths out nicely with some air. The first sip was full of earthy spice, while later sips became more berry-forward as it opened up. It would undoubtedly be a hit with a meat heavy meal, and a great bold Zin for wintertime.
@BobbyBottles I did not have this vintage, but the sharp opening but smoothes out with air seem to match, and definitely meat or heavy pasta.
Same vintage of the mother clone that I ratted earlier this month. That zin mix was well worth it at ~$16/bottle, this is almost $4 less each in the case…
Does seem like a steal!
@james It keeps getting better…in theory. We have a hard time not drinking it all up when we get some! We’ve been fans of Mother Clone/Boss Monster for 15 years or so and offerings like this are what makes me love this site.
@james @SmilingBoognish I don’t touch them until they’re at least a decade old
@klezman @SmilingBoognish Haha I try; just wish I had the same level of discipline and restraint
(also lol had to paste in an emoji since the mehditor emojis are broken?)
@james @SmilingBoognish One way to have that restraint is to have far too much wine so that you always want to drink the older stuff and then the younger stuff just naturally sits there a bunch.
@james @klezman @SmilingBoognish
Until the older stuff is too buried to find
@klezman @rjquillin @SmilingBoognish which is kind of my strategy!
Anyone want to share a case? So. NH/Boston area.