Carlisle Winery & Vineyards was founded in 1998 by Mike and Kendall Officer. Their passion is clear: Small lots of Zinfandel and Syrah from exceptional, historic vineyards. Many of these vineyards are heritage sites planted by Italian immigrants and date back to the late 1800s. Mike recently announced his retirement and subsequently 2024 will be the last vintage of wines produced…
Rochioli is one of the true pioneers in Russian River Valley, with a winemaking history dating back to the the late 1950′s. In 1987 Rochioli released their first estate wine, the 1985 Rochioli Pinot Noir. Although best known for their world class Pinot Noir, Rochioli also produces remarkable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery has published a detailed map of…
Welcome to the latest installment of The Week in Zinfandel. If I missed your post or story please send me a link and I will be sure to include it next week. Cheers!
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. Anne Teller, the Bucklin’s mother, has been farming commercially in Sonoma Valley…
Founded in 2005 by winemaker Mike Smith and his wife Leah, Myriad Cellars is a boutique Napa Valley winery focusing on high end Cabernet Sauvignon. Smith, a former protégé of Thomas Rivers Brown, established the brand for high-quality, limited-production wines using premium fruit from vineyards like Beckstoffer Dr. Crane and Georges III. Tofanelli Vineyard is located at the top of Napa Valley near the town…
Sky Vineyards, situated on Mt. Veeder, was founded in 1973 by Lore Olds. Lore purchased the property in 1972 and planted the Zinfandel shortly thereafter. The vineyard is dry farmed and for that reason the winery holds the wine back 2-4 years prior to release. Sky also produces a Syrah, Riesling and Rosé. Crimson in color. 14% ABV. Riveting nose…
Founded in 2002 by Al and Janis McWilliams in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Arista Winery specialized in small-lot, terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known for high-quality, cold-climate wines, the winery was managed by sons Mark and Ben McWilliams from 2012, with Matt Courtney serving as winemaker. The winery is unfortunately concluding its operations with a final 2024 vintage release in…
Welcome to the latest installment of The Week in Zinfandel. If I missed your post or story please send me a link and I will be sure to include it next week. Cheers!
Morét-Brealynn is a boutique, eponymous label founded in 2021 by Morét Brealynn Chavez. Based in Sonoma County, the winery focuses on small-lot, vineyard-driven wines, particularly Pinot Noir. Adam Lee is a consultant for the winery. Crimson in color. 14.4% ABV. Bottled under a screw cap. Beautiful nose of red fruits, baking spices and rose petals. Medium to full bodied with…
Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1959 when three Stanford Research Institute engineers bought an abandoned winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyards had been planted in the late 19th century by a San Francisco physician who produced his first vintage in the original winery, called Monte Bello, in 1892. The first Ridge vintage was in 1962. John Olney is Head…