Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley Family Vineyards Petite Sirah 2005

Petite Sirah has been a staple in Pedroncelli's vineyards since the early 1900's. Sourced from one of the family's vineyards, whose vines average more than 60 years of age, the 2005 Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley Family Vineyards Petite Sirah is inky purple, deep, and aromatic. It possesses all the power and robust flavor inherent in the finest Petite Sirah, without searing tannins or a rustic edge. Juicy, smooth, and loaded with fruit, it is pure pleasure in a glass. In this Family Vineyards' Petite Sirah, black cherry, chocolate, mulberry, pepper, and oriental spice all fold into one seamless statement. Backed by 23 months in small American oak barrels, the 2005 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah offers sensual pleasure of every sort, including great tactile feel in the mouth. We suggest serving this exemplary Petite Sirah at cool room temperature (but no more than 66ºF), after at least thirty minutes of aeration. Although beautiful from the start, this impeccably balanced Petite Sirah only improves with time. Furthermore, it has years of life ahead of it. Enjoy it now, and often. The question is this: Can you stash a few bottles away and not touch them until a rainy day?

Petite Sirah is the perfect potion with all kinds of flavorful foods. Grilled rib eye steaks served with garlic mashed potatoes; wood grilled double cut lamb chops brushed with extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with fresh mint and rosemary; grilled spicy Italian sausages, peppers, and onions; and just about any other meat or vegetable suitable for the grill will match up nicely with Pedroncelli's Petite Sirah. Spicy rubs and barbecue sauces won't phase this charming, hedonistic wine, either. Classic Italian favorites pair nicely with this Petite Sirah, too. Brick-oven-cooked pizzas and calzones; Pasta Fresca with fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, vine ripe tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs; and Chicken Marsala constitute some of our favorite offerings with this wine. Moreover, complex Northern Italian specialties that rely more on rice, mushrooms, truffles, and complex sauces provide other excellent complements to Pedroncelli's masterful Petite Sirah. Enjoy!

Since 1927, two constants at the Pedroncelli estate in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley have been family and wine. Started by Italian immigrant John Pedroncelli, Sr., the Pedroncelli estate vineyards are located 25 miles from the Pacific, where the grapes from this pre-Prohibition property ripen fully and produce full fruit flavors in Dry Creek Valley's ideal climate of warm days and cool nights. John, Sr.'s namesake, son John, grew up on the family property and has been principal winemaker at Pedroncelli since 1948. John's brother Jim was actually born in the winery's offices, which were formerly the family's home. Jim has overseen marketing and sales at the winery since 1955. Jim only half jokingly tells visitors, "I was born in this office and I will probably die here as well." In addition to Jim and John, their children and children-in-law all work in various capacities at the winery, as the family happily watches a fourth generation buzz about the property. In short, Pedroncelli remains an authentic family-owned and -run winery. Rare as it may now be, the Pedroncelli family is one California family that has not yet traded in its name or sold its soul to a corporate conglomerate. Obviously, stability and tradition play important roles for the Pedroncelli family as it collectively pursues its shared passion for producing quality wines. Yet, Pedroncelli's vineyards have only gently expanded to 105 acres from the property's original 90 acres, and the brothers continue to seek innovative means of improving production and quality without compromising the family tradition or expanding rapidly beyond their control. Instead, the family highlights specific vineyards in the winery's Vineyard Selection Series (i.e., Dry Creek Valley's Bench and Family Vineyards), a decision that allows the brothers to pursue their family's commitment to quality. This practice also provides a glimpse of the guided, practical approach that this family has to marketing. Lovingly made, Pedroncelli wines are known for their consistent quality from vintage to vintage: they always exhibit rich fruit flavors, layered balance, and a readiness to drink upon release. Above enjoying the quality of their wines, however, partaking in a glass of Pedroncelli wine is like becoming a member of the family and sharing in their love of wine. Red grape varietals predominate at Pedroncelli. Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel are just a few of Pedroncelli's finest Sonoma County offerings. Sauvignon Blanc is a real success at Pedroncelli, too, and it remains one of the winery's fairer claims to fame.

Petite Sirah is a cheese lover's dream. It offers the ideal accompaniment to most cow, goat, and sheep's milk cheeses. Consequently, the 2005 Pedroncelli Family Vineyards Petite Sirah pairs equally well with Cheddar and Edam as it does with Chèvre and Pecorino Ardent cheese aficionados may even want to match this delicious Petite Sirah with traditional crusted French cheeses such as Brie and Camembert. For more information about gourmet cheeses and cheese pairings, we invite you to consult our In Pursuit of Cheese website at www.cheesemonthclub.com.