When Albino Pestoni emigrated from Italy to the Napa Valley in 1882 he had no idea that he would end up in the wine business. Enjoying the beauty of Napa with the likes of the founders of Beringer and Inglenook changed all that and more. He went on to buy property in Napa in a place called Rutherford, now considered the premium area of the entire appellation.

That history was not lost on his grandson, Bob, who established Rutherford Grove winery with his wife, Sylvia, in 1994. Their mission was to honor their family tradition started by Bob's father and grandfather. In 2017, the winery changed its name to Pestoni Family Estate Winery.

An interesting bit of history: Rutherford is where André Tchelistcheff made the first BV Private Reserve in 1936. It was hailed as the greatest wine to ever come out of the new world and Rutherford became the new Bordeaux.

Our selection is no exception. From the dusty elements in the nose to the mint and spice essences culminating in rich, dark plum and blackberry, it's obvious this is one serious Merlot. The 22 months in French oak just added to the complexity as well, making a nice complement to a chateaubriand topped with caramelized onions and wild mushrooms.

Wine of the Month Club · 320 W Chestnut Ave, Monrovia. CA 91016 

If you are no longer interested in receiving emails from us you can unsubscribe here.