Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2008 Sojourn Pinot Noir Gap’s Crown Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 by Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley. The winery specializes in Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and recently added a Chardonnay to the lineup. Their fruit is sourced from some of California’s finest vineyards. Gap’s Crown Vineyard is situated in the foothills just above the Sangiacomo Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. Light red in color. Almost…

Continue Reading

Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (10/13/14)

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! 1 Wine Dude reviews the 2012 m2 Wines Lodi Native Soucie Vineyard Zinfandel. Wine Align reviews the 2012 Rock Wall Wine Co. Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel. A…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Syrah

2011 Efeste Syrah Jolie Bouche – Bottle Notes

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. Jolie Bouche is sourced from…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Sauvignon Blanc

2010 Rochioli Sauvignon Blanc – 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. Although best known for their world class Pinot Noir, Rochioli also produces remarkable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Rochioli recently published a detailed map of the Estate Vineyard that is required viewing for fans of the winery. The wine…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Merlot

2006 Force Majeure CS IV – Bottle Notes

Previously known as Grand Rêve, Force Majeure was founded in 2004 by Paul McBride and Ryan Johnson. Force Majeure pairs some of Washington’s highly acclaimed winemakers with fruit from one of Washington’s highly acclaimed vineyards, Ciel du Cheval. The winemakers contributing to the Collaboration Series is a Who’s Who of Washington winemakers including Ben Smith, Carolyn Lakewold, Chris Gorman, James…

Continue Reading

Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (10/6/14)

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! Cliff’s Wine Picks reviews the 2012 Trentadue Winery Zinfandel. Grape Collective writes Three Words You Never Thought You’d See Together. JVB Uncorked reviews the 2012 Hahn Family…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2005 Williams Selyem Zinfandel Bacigalupi Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Williams Selyem Winery began when Ed Selyem and Burt Williams started making wine as a hobby in 1979 in Forestville, California. Their first commercial release was in 1981, and in less than two decades they created a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Setting a new standard for Pinot Noir winemaking, they put Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley at the forefront…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes

2010 Rasa Vineyards Mourvedre Vox Populi – Bottle Notes

Rasa Vineyards is a relatively new winery located in Walla Walla, Washington. Founded in 2007 by brothers Pinto and Billo Naravane, Rasa specializes in Syrah-based wines but has also released Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Petite Verdot, Grenache and Mourvedre. There is also a second label known as PB Wines. Pinto is the Managing Partner, while Billo is the Winemaker. Light…

Continue Reading

Bordeaux, Bottle Notes

2001 Troplong Mondot – Bottle Notes

The 2001 Troplong Mondot was the winning bottle in the September installment of Pick My Next Bottle. In actuality the Troplong Mondot tied with Cos d’Estournel but yours truly was more excited to try the Troplong Mondot. I promise a Bottle Note on the Cos in the near future. The wine was decanted for an hour and served with steaks.…

Continue Reading