Three Vineyard Blend:  Pedroncelli estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc provided the fruit for this wine. These Bordeaux varietals develop exceptional character on these sites. Dry Creek Valley provides the right amount of sun and cooling fog which develops optimal flavors in the grapes. Careful vineyard management during the growing season defines our style even more. 

Winemaking: After four decades producing Cabernet Sauvignon in Dry Creek Valley, John Pedroncelli knows how to get the best from this noble grape. The grapes were harvested the second week of September. The fruit was crushed into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. The frequent pumping of juice over the skins (known as the ‘cap') during fermentation gives the young wine a substantial increase of flavor and color. Our Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in small American oak barrels for twelve months in order to develop smoothness and complexity. A blend of 25% new American oak in the barrel aging program is used so that the fruit flavors are more forward with a subtle backbone of toasty oak. The blending together of the vineyard lots with the addition of Merlot and Cabernet Franc enables John to fine-tune this wine for optimum richness, flavor, and balance. 

Technical Notes:  Appellation:  Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County / Composition:  79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot / Barrel Aging:  12 months in American oak barrels / Alcohol:  14.3% /  pH:  3.56 / Total acidity:  .60g/100ml / Bottled:  August 2006 / Production:  8,000 cases 

Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of allspice, bing cherry and violets highlight this full-bodied Cabernet Souvignon. The wine is framed by a bright acidity, in just the right amount to showcase the fruit. Green tea, toasty oak and firm tannins round out the flavors for a lingering finish. Our Three Vineyards Cabernet is ready to enjoy upon release or cellar up to five more years.