Efeste, pronounced like the letters “F-S-T” strung together, was named after the last names of founders Helen & Dan Ferrelli, Patrick Smith, and Kevin & Angela Taylor. Efeste is located in the Warehouse District of Woodinville, Washington. Peter Devison took over full-time winemaking duties when Brennon Leighton left to work with Charles Smith in 2012. The Lola Chardonnay is sourced…
Author: Tom Lee
2000 Dunn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – Bottle Notes
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 release consisted of 660 cases of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Howell Mountain vineyards. In 1982, Dunn released a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Dunn is one…
New Releases from Carlisle Winery
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…
The Week in Zinfandel (12/14/15)
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! Tasting Room Confidential writes BC Zinfandels Prove to be More Friendly than Californians. Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine writes Thoughts While Shaving. The Wines of Lodi, CA…
New Releases from Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi
Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi is the brand name of a large group of Tuscan wine estates owned by the Frescobaldi family. The family traces its history to 13th-century Florentine cloth merchants. The Frescobaldi family was heavily involved with the politics and economics of Florence. In the 14th century they also became international bankers and winemakers. Today the family owns nearly 5,000…
2010 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…
The Week in Zinfandel (12/7/15)
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! Wine with SLHousman writes about Paradise Ridge Winery. Mama Maggies Kitchen reviews the 2012 Rodney Strong Knotty Vines Zinfandel. Wines of Lodi, CA writes Oak Ridge Winery…
Zinfandel of the Month – 2007 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman
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 December Zinfandel of the Month is the 2007 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman. Turley Wine Cellars was founded in…
2013 Navarro Vineyards Pinot Noir “Méthode à l’Ancienne” – Bottle Notes
Located in the Anderson Valley, Navarro Vineyards has been producing exceptional, fairly-priced wines since 1974. The winery is best known for its range of Pinot Noirs, including the showstopper Deep End Blend (available through futures). They also produce an age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon a delicious Zinfandel and their whites are noteworthy with a one-of-a-kind Riesling, Gewurztaminer and Muscat Blanc. Light red in…
Top 10 Zinfandels Tasted in 2015
It is the time of the year where every wine blogger publishes their lists of Wines of the Year or Values of the Year, etc. Although I try to blog about all the wines I taste it is clear that Zinfandel is definitely my grape of choice. With that in mind here are my top 10 Zinfandels of 2015. The…