Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (2/11/19)

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. Ken’s Wine Guide reviews the Once & Future Zinfandel Forcini Vineyard. Dallas Wine Chick writes New Texas Owners Mesmerized By the Potential of Applegate Valley and Troon Vineyard.…

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Bottle Notes, Merlot

2006 Pahlmeyer Merlot – Bottle Notes

Pahlmeyer was founded in the mid-1980s when Jayson Pahlmeyer, a Bay Area lawyer, decided he preferred thinking about wine over reading legal briefs. Pahlmeyer produced its debut vintage in 1986. Bibiana González Rave is the current winemaker. Wines produced at Pahlmeyer include the flagship Proprietary Red, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon from Pahlmeyer Estate…

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Bottle Notes, Syrah

2011 Dehlinger Syrah 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 Syrah is sourced from the estate vineyards on Vine Hill Road. Goldridge is a…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2006 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors – Bottle Notes

Williams Selyem Winery began when Ed Selyem and Burt Williams started making wine as a hobby in 1979 in Forestville, California. Their first commercial release was in 1981, and in less than two decades they created a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Setting a new standard for Pinot Noir winemaking, they put Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley at the forefront…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (2/4/19)

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. Peter Weltman writes Discovering the Origin of Zinfandel. The Alcohol Professor writes Exploring Dry Creek Zinfandel. Jim Gordon writes The Producers Behind California’s Volcanic Wines. Ken’s Wine Guide…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

Zinfandel of the Month – 2016 Chateau Potelle VGS Zinfandel Alta Vista Vineyard

Zinfandel of the Month is a regular feature on Zinfandel Chronicles. Keep in mind that although the Zinfandel of the Month might be an older bottle, the current vintage will be one you can find at retail or via the mailing list. The February Zinfandel of the Month is the 2016 Chateau Potelle VGS Zinfandel Alta Vista Vineyard.  Chateau Potelle was founded in 1983 by…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2013 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel – Bottle Notes

Alberto Rafanelli, an Italian immigrant, first founded A. Rafanelli Winery in the early 1900’s. It wasn’t until the early 70’s that Alberto’s son, Americo, came out with the present day label and started selling the wine commercially. David and Patty Rafanelli now run the winery and a 4th generation Rafanelli, their daughter Shelly, is the winemaker. The winery is perhaps…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2011 Carlisle Zinfandel Pagani Ranch – Bottle Notes

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 . Expect to see a Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Montecillo Vinyard and a Russian River…

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