The 2005 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley was the winning bottle in the January installment of Pick My Next Bottle. I did not decant the wine and it was served with grilled top sirloin and roasted gold potatoes. Dunn Vineyards is located east of St. Helena in the town of Angwin on Howell Mountain. The Winery was established in 1979,…
Author: Tom Lee
The Week in Zinfandel (1/27/25)
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!
2019 Carlisle Zinfandel Piner-Olivet Ranches – 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. Mike recently announced his retirement and subsequently 2024 will be the last vintage of wines produced…
2015 Ridge Lytton Springs – Bottle Notes
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…
Pick My Next Bottle – 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The January installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. I plan on opening the winning bottle this Saturday and will publish a Bottle Note shortly thereafter. 2005 was a better than average vintage…
2000 Argiano Solengo – Bottle Notes
Argiano dates back to the 16th century. The nearly 120 acres of vineyards are planted to Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah. The wines, both Brunello di Montalcino and Solengo, have routinely received outstanding scores. In 1992 Argiano was acquired by the Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano. Solengo, which is Tuscan for “lone wild boar”, is the product of…
The Week in Zinfandel (1/20/25)
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!
2015 Sky Vineyards Zinfandel Mt. Veeder – Bottle Notes
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. Stunning nose…
2019 Dehlinger Chardonnay – 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 and Cabernet Sauvignon.. Golden in color. 14.2% ABV. Pretty nose of lemon oil, green apple and honey. Full bodied with…
2014 La Rata – Bottle Notes
La Rata was founded by Elizabeth Bourcier in 2012. Bourcier, Cayuse’s assistant Vigneron, was inspired by Clos Erasmus of the Priorat region of Spain and crafted this blend. The wine was originally a blend of Grenache from Armada Vineyard and Cabernet from En Cerise Vineyard. Syrah from La Paciencia Vineyard was added with the 2014 vintage. The unique blend was named…