Cellar Management

Pick My Next Bottle – 2005 Bordeaux

The October installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on the 2005 Bordeaux vintage. The purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. 2005 is arguably the best Bordeaux vintage in modern times. Growing conditions were absolutely perfect. The weather was hot and dry and the rain that…

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Bottle Notes, Petite Sirah

2005 Switchback Ridge Petite Sirah – Bottle Notes

Switchback Ridge wines are sourced from the Peterson Family Vineyard. The property, located just off the Silverado Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga has been in the Peterson Family since 1914 and was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah in 1990. Kelly Peterson along with her father John founded Switchback Ridge in 1999. She is responsible for all aspects…

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Bottle Notes

2023 Navarro Vineyards Pinot Gris – Bottle Notes

Located in the Anderson Valley, Navarro Vineyards has been producing exceptional, fairly-priced wines since 1974. The winery is best known for its range of Pinot Noirs, including the showstopper Deep End Blend (available through futures). They also produce an age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon a delicious Zinfandel and their whites are noteworthy and food friendly with an exceptional Riesling, Gewurztaminer and Gruner Vetliner…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2019 Hartford Family Winery Zinfandel Russian River Valley Old Vine – Bottle Notes

Hartford Family Winery was founded in 1994 as a result of Don and Jennifer Hartford’s appreciation for the wines, the people, and the unique vineyards near their Russian River Valley home. Located in the Sonoma County town of Forestville, the winery is about 15 miles from the cool Pacific Coast. Jeff Stewart is the Hartford Family Winemaker. Crimson in color.…

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Bottle Notes, Grenache

2017 Bodegas Alto Moncayo Garnacha Campo de Borja – Bottle Notes

Bodegas Alto Moncayo is a joint venture of Jorge Ordonez, Bodegas Borsao and others, in conjunction with winemaker Chris Ringland. The youngest vines of Alto Moncayo are 35 years old and the oldest vineyards are over 90 years old. Their focus is exlusively on Garnacha. Purple in color. 16% ABV. Sublime nose of dark fruits, molten licorice and Whitman Sampler…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2015 Bucklin Ancient Field Blend Old Hill Ranch – Bottle Notes

Bucklin Winery was founded in 2000 by the four Bucklin siblings: Arden, Kate, Ted and Will.  Will Bucklin has been a vintner for over 25 years, working in France, Australia, Sonoma, Mendocino and Oregon. Bucklin produces several Zinfandels and Grenache, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a White Field Blend. Old Hill Ranch is a historic jewel.  It was founded by William…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2017 Black Kite Pinot Noir Kite’s Rest – Bottle Notes

Black Kite Cellars, a family-run winery, specializing in block-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Founded by Donald and Maureen Green in 2003, Black Kite is named for the beautiful but endangered Black Shouldered Kite that is native to the Anderson Valley. Jeff Gaffner of Saxon Brown is the consulting winemaker. Kite’s Rest is a blend from distinct blocks of the Estate…

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