1996 Pedroncelli Morris Fay Cabernet Sauvignon

Cedar, cassis, licorice and spice combine with a hint of new leather to create the lovely aroma of the 1996 Pedroncelli Morris Fay Cabernet Sauvignon. Produced from 100% Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a full-bodied wine that exhibits both flavor and grip. In classic Alexander Valley fashion, the Morris Fay Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a smooth, but firm wine, warranting at least an hour's breathing time, preferably in a decanter, before serving. With a little airing, complexity and finesse emerge from this Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon; the classic cigar box scent comes to fore, as does the rich blackberry and cassis flavors that make this Cabernet Sauvignon so appealing.

Beef, lamb, pork and rich, hearty, stick to your ribs kind of meals are ideal complements to Pedroncelli’s Morris Fay Cabernet Sauvignon. Several members of our tasting panel extol the virtue of this fine single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon with the ubiquitous holiday tenderloin of beef, served with pearl onions and portabella mushrooms. The mouth-filling flavors of the meat rise up to the firm, full-body of the wine, making the ‘96 Morris Fay Cabernet melt in your mouth. Grilled lamb makes for another fine marriage with this Pedroncelli Cabernet Sauvignon, as does a grilled pork tenderloin in a spicy raspberry sauce, served with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans with roasted red pepper. Duck, thick stews and highly charged bean dishes also make for excellent eating with the Morris fay Cabernet Sauvignon. Enjoy!

One Family, One Place, 70 Years, Three Generations of Fine Wine Pedroncelli Winery has come a long way since 1927, when John Pedroncelli, Sr. purchased vineyards and a small winery in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley. Today, the vineyards are planted to premium grape varieties, the winery is filled with modern equipment, and wines bearing the Pedroncelli name grace tables from coast to coast. But two elements from 70 years ago remain unchanged: the exceptional place the Pedroncelli family grows grapes, and the family's dedication to making fine wines. Dry Creek Valley is widely recognized as one of California's finest vineyard regions. Only 25 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the valley enjoys a climate of warm days and cool nights that enables grapes to develop generous fruit at maturity. The Pedroncelli family's 120 acres of vineyards are situated on the valley's eastern benches and hills, where well-drained, gravelly soils help concentrate varietal character. Since gaining their first wine business experience alongside their father, John and Jim Pedroncelli have been quiet innovators. John uses his unsurpassed knowledge of the valley to select the ideal grape and trellis for new plantings, and he forged strong ties with local growers. Jim has expanded distribution and updated both packaging and the product list. The third generation of the family has begun showing its own innovative spirit in vineyard management, finance, marketing, and sales. This evolution has enabled winemakers, John and Gary Martin to fine-tune wines already widely appreciated for their consistent style. Rich with varietal fruit, subtly complex and beautifully balanced, Pedroncelli wines are made to be enjoyed on release. In addition to the winery's fine line of premium wines, Pedroncelli introduced Single and Special Vineyard Selections in 1995, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter at Pedroncelli Winery. Grapes from a single outstanding vineyard receive special care throughout the winemaking process, yielding limited bottlings. These wines represent Pedroncelli's finest achievement in eight decades of grape and wine growing in Dry Creek valley. "The Single and Special Vineyard Selection wines showcase the winery's top vineyard sources," explains Winemaker John Pedroncelli. "Over the years, we've discovered that certain vineyards stand out, developing more fruit, more flavor and greater character than the rest. They are key components in our "regular" releases, but we decided to keep a few lots separate in outstanding vintages, create the best wines we could and give the growers the credit they deserve." At the top of the Pedroncelli hierarchy sits the winery's Morris fay Cabernet Sauvignon. The Morris Fay Vineyard has been a prime Pedroncelli grape source for three decades. This family-owned vineyard in northwest Alexander Valley produces rich, full-bodied Cabernet with cassis, cedar and mint character. Other notable single vineyard selections include Pedroncelli's Dry Creek Mother Clone Zinfandel as well as a host of other special varietal offerings.