Dalla Valle was founded in 1986 by Gustav and Naoko Dalla Valle, who purchased 21 acres on the east side of Silverado Trail on Oakville Hill. They planted the vineyards to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and had their first crush in 1986. Dalla Valle produces a Cabernet Sauvignon and a very limited amount of a proprietary red named Maya,…
Author: Tom Lee
Pick My Next Bottle: 1996 Bordeaux
The August installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 1996 Bordeaux. 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. I plan on opening the winning bottle this coming weekend and will publish a Bottle Note shortly thereafter. 1996 was a…
The Week in Zinfandel (8/17/15)
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! Now And Zin Wine writes Lodi Native Zinfandel 2013: Wegat Vineyard by Maley Brothers. The Wines of Lodi, CA writes Lodi’s Foreign Legion. Jo Diaz writes Robert…
2007 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, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are largely grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian…
2008 Araujo Sauvignon Blanc – Bottle Notes
Araujo Estate is a 38-acre vineyard in northeast Napa Valley, east of Calistoga. It was established in 1990 when Bart and Daphne Araujo bought the historic vineyard from Milt and Barbara Eisele, who planted the vines in the 1960s. For nearly 40 years the Eisele Vineyard has been known as one of the valley’s great vineyards, consistently producing outstanding wines.…
Why I Renewed My Wine Spectator Subscription
I just received my first issue of the Wine Spectator in almost 8 years. I had let my subscription lapse when I last moved and was told it would take upwards of 60 days to move my subscription to a new address. This was 2007, the age of the internet, how could it possibly take so long to change my…
2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Koplen Vineyard – Bottle Notes
Kosta Browne was founded by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne. In the summer of 1997, while working at John Ash & Co. restaurant in Santa Rosa, California, Dan and Michael decided to pool their tips and venture into winemaking. Eighteen years later, Kosta Browne is one of the most sought after Pinot Noirs in all of California. At present time they…
The Week in Zinfandel (8/10/15)
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! The Wines of Lodi, CA writes What Makes Lodi Special? The Press Democrat writes Marquee Sonoma County Vineyards Offer Sought-After Grapes. Natalie Maclean reviews the 2013 Ranch…
2004 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines – Bottle Notes
Located in the Walla Walla Valley appellation of Washington State, Woodward Canyon Winery was started in 1981 by Rick Small and his wife, Darcey Fugman-Small. Woodward Canyon produces almost a dozen different wines, and their Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Chardonnay are some of the very best examples of those varietals produced in Washington State. Violet in color with…
Zinfandel of the Month – 2012 Under the Wire Sparkling Zinfandel
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 August Zinfandel of the Month is the 2012 Under The Wire Sparkling Zinfandel. Under The Wire is…