Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2016 Bucklin Bambino 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, a Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and a White Field Blend. Old Hill Ranch is a historic jewel.  It was founded by William McPherson…

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Cellar Management

Pick My Next Bottle – The 1998 Vintage

The December Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on the 1998 vintage.  As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened this Saturday and a Bottle Note will be published shortly thereafter. All three…

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Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

1999 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée – Bottle Notes

The family of Domaine du Pegau has roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape dating back to the mid-17th century. The word Pegau refers to a wine jug discovered in the excavations of the 14th century Pope’s palace in Avignon. Today, the estate is run by the Paul Ferraud and his daughter Laurence. Rust colored. 13.5% ABV. Savory nose of red fruits, garrigue, roasted…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2011 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Goldridge – Bottle Notes

Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. Dehlinger Pinot Noir is sourced from the estate vineyards on Vine Hill Road. Goldridge is…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (12/16/19)

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. Reverse Wine Snob writes Artezin Mendocino Zinfandel – Rich and Savory. Randy Caparoso writes Portraits of Lodi’s Passionate Vignerons Over the Past Year (2019!). Keith Newton writes Great…

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Bottle Notes

New Releases from Dueling Pistols

Dueling Pistols is a new label that falls into the Terlato Wines portfolio. Dueling Pistols wines combine two competing varietals in a 50/50 blend where each varietal’s fight for power balances that of the other.  2016 Dry Creek Valley Blend – Purple in color. 15% ABV. 50% Zinfandel and 50% Syrah. A portion of the Zinfandel comes from vines dating…

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Bottle Notes, Burgundy

2009 Jean Foillard Morgon Côte du Py – Bottle Notes

Jean and Agnès Foillard took over his father’s domaine in 1980. Most of their vineyards are planted on the Côte du Py, the famed slope outside the town of Villié-Morgon. The estate comprises nearly fourteen hectares.  Jean followed the methods of Jules Chauvet, a traditionalist who defied everything that the more commercial brands were touting in the region. Jean and…

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Bottle Notes

2012 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas La Louisiane – Bottle Notes

Domaine Saint-Damien is run by Joel and Amie Saurel.  The Saurel family had been tending vineyards for four generations, dating back to 1821, and until recently selling all of the grapes to negociants. In 1996 Joel resumed producing wine at the estate and in 1998 they brought on consulting winemaker Philippe Cambie. Vinification is classic with wines being made in large old cement…

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