Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

2005 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Quilceda Creek Vintners was founded in 1978 by Alex and Jeanette Golitzin. Alex Golitzin is a nephew of André Tchelistcheff, the legendary winemaker who put Beaulieu Vineyard at the forefront of Napa Valley Cabernet in the 1960s and 70s. He credits summer trips to visit his uncle in St. Helena, California with developing his early interest in wine. Alex’s son,…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (12/24/18)

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. Randy Caparoso writes Our Best (That is, Most Educational) Blogs of 2018. Big Hammer Wines writes What Does it take to Make a Great Zinfandel? Have Wine Will…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2014 Brown Estate Zinfandel – Bottle Notes

In 1980, The Brown Family acquired land in the hills east of Rutherford in the Napa Valley. In 1995 they decided to make wine under their own label. The following year the first vintage of Zinfandel was produced and subsequently they have added Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Sirah to their lineup. First and foremost, Brown Estate is…

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Cellar Management

Pick My Next Bottle – 1989 Bordeaux

The December Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Bordeaux from the 1989 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 weekend and a Bottle Note will be published early next…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (12/17/18)

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. Now And Zin Wine writes Dry Creek Valley Zin via Kokomo. Michael Perlis writes Perlis Picks: Mauritson. Vinography reviews the 2012 Easton Zinfandel Rinaldi Vineyard. Wine Enthusiast writes…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2013 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Estate – Bottle Notes

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 recently published a detailed map of…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2011 Black Sears Zinfandel – Bottle Notes

In 1979, Joyce Black and Jerre Sears purchased a one-of-a-kind property at the top of Howell Mountain. In 1997, Joyce and Jerre began producing very small quantities of estate-bottled Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel for their new Black Sears label, a few hundred cases per vintage. For twelve years, winemaker Ted Lemon called the Black Sears winery home, producing both the…

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Bottle Notes

2007 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia – Bottle Notes

Fattoria di Felsina is an historic estate in the Chianti appellation of Tuscany. In 1966 the estate was purchased by the Poggiali family, and today a second generation of the Poggiali family still run the estate. At the edge of the Chianti Classico and Chianti Colli Senesi denominations, the estate counts 475 hectares, of which 61 are planted with vineyard.…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (12/10/18)

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. Hogshead Wine Blog writes “How Long Will Our Red Wines Last? I Don’t Know”. Into Wine reviews the 2016 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Limerick Lane Vineyard. Wine Enthusiast…

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