Pedroncelli Sangiovese Dry Creek Valley

Nose of black pepper, spice, and raspberries with hints of strawberries. Jammy black fruit and nice pepper on the palate. Nice tannin structure. ($10)

A really awesome wine. Slight jamminess with the usual dark berry trio. Medium dryness, and paring with spicy foods a must. Excellent value. Drinkable immediately but would cellar for 6-8 mos respectably.

Really enjoyed this. It started off with an excellent nose (fruity and fragrant) but quite muted flavor. After just a few minutes in glass, though, it started to open up. It was quite pleasant even as it warmed up to room temp. The finish and mid-palate became more acidic as it warmed, which I generally don't like, but this has been quite nice. Finished the bottle first night. No decant.

Popped and poured. This is a change for Mother Clone, as it is way more fruit forward then previous vintages, but still has the structure to shelve for a few years. Good spice, and cherry fruit up front. Still very dry, but easier to drink than before.

Drank in comparison with Rabbit Ridge Zinfandel Barrel Cuvée; this was simpler, less substantial, although it picked up weight with air; some blueberries.