J.Pedroncelli 2003 Dry Creek Merlot and a Flash Forward to the Current Vintage of the Merlot Bench Vineyards 2015

Pedroncelli winery is one of Sonoma's oldest wineries. It's vineyards are characterized by sloped topography and gravelly residual soils, they have unique growing conditions that bring out the best in wine. Wines bearing the Pedroncelli name grace tables from Coast to Coast. Only 25 miles from the Pacific Ocean the Dry Creek Valley is recognized at one of California's finest vineyard regions. Listen to Beach Vineyards/Dry Creek Valley 2003 Merlot Feature Bench Vineyards/Dry Creek Valley 2003 Merlot This Merlot is a combination of two vineyards, the Estate Vineyard from Pedroncelli and the Jasper Long Vineyard along Dry Creek Road. The wine speaks for itself and the two vineyards add different aspects to the wine. The unique growing conditions of Dry Creek Valley come out in this wine. Enjoy! Link to www.pedroncelli.com Let's flash forward to the 2015 vintage of this great wine.Merlot is one of my favorites and this wine is amazing with food. Aromas are enticing with hints of strawberry and baking spices. Flavors of black cherry, plum, and black pepper are showcased along with cinnamon notes and, in the background, a touch of vanilla and toasty oak. Medium bodied with round tannins follow through to a velvety finish. A beautifully balanced wine. Bench Vineyards The source for our Merlot comes from three blocks off of our estate vineyard located along Dry Creek Road from vineyard planted over 5 years beginning in 1990. Bench Vineyards, the name chosen for this wine, describes the natural terraces that flank Dry Creek Valley and rise gradually into the steep hills. Characterized by sloped topography and gravelly/rocky residual soils, the unique growing conditions combine to bring out the best in our Merlot. Winemaker Notes An early growing season and harvest due drought conditions. Merlot was harvested the last week of August, about two weeks earlier than in non-drought years. The vintage shows intense phenolics and mild acids resulting in a very structured wine with smooth texture. The grapes were crushed into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and cold soaked for 48 hours. Daily pumpovers during the fermentation gives a substantial increase in flavor and color. The young wine was transferred to small American oak barrels to age for 11 months in order to develop smoothness and complexity, giving the wine a subtle backbone of oak components. J.Pedroncelli always stands for great value,and thru many vintages this wine stands out as a wine that truly is consistent and a perfect match with your next feast. What time should I arrive?