Cayuse was founded in 1997 by Christophe Baron, a native of France who grew up in family of winemakers in Champagne. Baron studied viticulture in Burgundy and Champagne, and had ambitions to make Pinot Noir in Oregon. However, on a visit to Walla Walla he found property that he believed would be perfect for growing grapes and decided to purchase…
Author: Tom Lee
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…
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.…
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…
1995 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain – Bottle Notes
The 1995 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain was the winning bottle in the May installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for 30 minutes. Dunn Vineyards is located east of St. Helena in the town of Angwin on Howell Mountain. The Winery was established in 1979, with the first harvest of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. In 1981, the first…
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…
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…
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…
Pick My Next Bottle – 1995 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
The May Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. 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…
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…