Parducci 2014 Small Lot Pinot Noir, Mendocino County

Parducci is no newcomer to the California wine scene. This year marks the winery’s 85th anniversary. It is known for value and sustainable farming.

Tradition and Family Values

Parducci Winery was founded by John Parducci and his family in 1932. He got off to an early start by traveling alone at age 14 with 40 rail cars of the family grapes to sell to home winemakers during Prohibition. He championed the Northern California wine region and Mendocino County in particular and served as Parducci winemaker for 50 years.

This year Parducci celebrates its 85th anniversary. The winery continues to be a family operation, under the guidance of Tim Thornhill, along with his brother and father. Tim is an arborist and horticultural expert and is known worldwide for his work with heritage trees.

That love the the earth is very much in tune with the Parducci legacy and is visible throughout the 100% green-powered winery operation. The vineyards feature bio-diesel powered tractors and an award-winning reclamation and conservation program. It is the first winery in the US to achieve carbon-neutral status.

Small Lot Wines

Parducci produces three main lines of wines: True Grit Reserve, Reserve and Small Lot. The Small Lot range focuses on value-priced varietally correct wines. This year the line got a make-over with a new label that features an illustration of the wine estate.

We recently uncorked the 2014 Small Lot Mendocino County Pinot Noir. The aroma is a lovely mix of berries. On the palate the body is light to medium and fruit forward. There are flavor notes for strawberry and an undertone of smoke.

The wine is aged for one year in 20% new French oak barrels and 80% neutral barrels. This ensures that the delicate flavors come ringing through. It is 100% Pinot Noir with 13.5% alcohol.

The Parducci Small Lot Pinot retails for $14.99, a great price for a satisfying, sustainably-farmed wine.

Full disclosure: This wine was received as a marketing sample.