A Virtual Visit to the Tasting Room at …Parducci

By Thom Elkjer, Wine Editor

For its 73nd birthday, Parducci Wine Cellars got what it wanted: new owners. They’re restoring its historic luster with a passion for Mendocino, a penchant for slick packaging, and a commitment to sustainable farming. The tasting room, just off 101 in Ukiah, remains as charming as ever, but the wine has definitely moved into a new zone – and there are more than 20 wines on offer most days.

Parducci Wine Cellars, 501 Parducci Road, Ukiah, open daily 10-5, 707-463-5350). Here are four to look for:

	Parducci Sauvignon Blanc Mendocino 2004 ($15): Bright, balanced fruit aromas well out of the glass; apple, pears and honey flavors meet refreshing acidity in the mid-palate, and it all keeps integrating well into the aftertaste. Made with organically grown grapes.
	Parducci Chardonnay Mendocino 2004 ($15): Smooth, summery aromas of cut pear and lime zest and flavors of fresh apples combine in this well-balanced, multi-layered Chard that goes down easily. Nicely priced, and made with organically grown grapes.
	Parducci Petite Sirah California 2003 ($10): there are precious view Petites offering this much pleasure at this price level (Bogle and David Bruce are the others); deeply sweet, soft but structured, and looking for a good time. Can’t-miss party wine..
	Parducci Red Table Wine Mendocino County “Coro Mendocino” 2002 ($35.00): A blend of Zinfandel, Syrah and Petite Sirah; dark plummy aromas laced with strawberry flow right into the flavors and spread richly across the palate until an alcoholic rush toward the finish. Best in 2-3 years.