Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (5/30/16)

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! My Side of Fifty writes Wino Wednesday – Small Hours Zinfandel 2012. The Wines of Lodi, CA writes Tiny PRIE’s Latest Wines Express True Lodi Soul. Reverse…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2008 Outpost Zinfandel Howell Mountain – Bottle Notes

Outpost Wines was established in 1998 and sits on a pristine piece of land atop Howell Mountain 2200 feet above Napa Valley. Thomas Rivers-Brown has been the winemaker from the start and has gained further acclaim making highly sought after wines for Schrader, Rivers-Marie and many others. Besides Zinfandel, Outpost also produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache. Violet in color. 16.2% ABV.…

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Bottle Notes

New Releases from Attune Wines

Attune Wines was founded in 2011 by Mike and Nancy Scribner, Ken and Debbie Venner and David Povlak. The winery currently produces a Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rosé. Kenneth Juhasz is the consulting winemaker. Kenneth also owns Auteur Wines and works with other labels including Donum Estate, Pali Wine Company and Gary Farrell. I recently was fortunate to try the…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (5/23/16)

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! Decanter writes Zinfandel to Change Your Mind. John on Wine writes A Wine Festival Recap with a Different Perspective. Cool Climate Wine reviews the 2009 Tobin James…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2010 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

New Releases from Lauren Ashton Cellars

Lauren Ashton Cellars was founded in 2009 by Kit Singh. A Dentist by profession, Kit’s passion for wine was fueled by trips to Napa, Sonoma and Europe’s best known wine regions. Kit’s enology background includes classes at UC Davis and Seattle Community College along with an internship at Delille Cellars. The inspiration for the name of the winery was Kit’s…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (5/16/16)

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! Ridge Wine Blog writes Extending Zinfandel’s California Legacy. Toledo Wines and Vines writes Napa Valley Versus Sonoma: We Pick the Winner. Tim Fish writes Sonoma County, The…

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Bottle Notes, Syrah

2007 Carlisle Syrah Cardiac Hill – 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 . They have also recently added their first whites, two blends from historic, old-vine vineyards plus Sonoma…

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