Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (7/21/14)

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! Natalie Maclean writes 5 Surprising Facts About Zinfandel. Gregory Dal Piaz of Snooth writes about Blind Tasting 2012 Zinfandel. Sherri Housman writes about Dutcher Crossing. Sunset Magazine…

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Bottle Notes

1999 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Fontalloro – Bottle Notes

Fattoria di Felsina is an historic estate in the Chianti appellation of Tuscany. In 1966 the estate was purchased by the Poggiali family, and today a second generation of the Poggiali family still run the 153-acre estate. Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine journal, has often awarded Felsina’s wines with 3 Bicchieri, the journal’s highest rating. Fontalloro is 100% Sangiovese and…

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Bottle Notes, Syrah

2008 Betz Family Winery La Serenne – Bottle Notes

Betz Family Winery was founded in 1997 by Bob & Cathy Betz. Critical acclaim from local and national wine publications has put Betz Family Winery at the forefront of Washington wines alongside Cayuse, Leonetti and Quilceda Creek. The winery was sold to Steve and Bridget Griessel (with Bob Betz remaining on as the winemaker), and I fully expect quality will…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (7/14/14)

Welcome to the fourth 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 Brown reviews the 2009 Carlisle Zinfandel Papera Ranch. Garrett Snyder of Los Angeles Magazine writes A Brief History of White Zinfandel. T.J. Foderaro of Inside Jersey…

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2005 Carlisle Russian River Valley Zin
Buying Wine

Making Sense of the Carlisle Mailer

With the arrival late last week of the Carlisle mailer so began the semi annual struggle of deciding what wines to buy from one of my very favorite producers. It seems that the number of wines available grows with each release making the decision all the more problematic. This particular mailer included a dozen different wines. Pretty convenient if you…

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Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

2006 Dehlinger Chardonnay See’s Selection – 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…

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Bottle Notes

2012 Efeste Riesling Evergreen Vineyard – 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. Evergreen Vineyard, in the new…

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Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

2006 Rochioli Chardonnay Sweetwater Vineyard – 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. There is 1 acre of Wente Selection Chardonnay planted in the Sweetwater parcel of Rochioli Vineyard. Rochioli recently published a detailed…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (7/7/14)

Welcome to the third 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! Virginia Pour House writes about Storybook Mountain Vineyards. Ted Scheffler of the Salt Lake City Weekly writes about Ravenswood Wines. Eric Asimov of the NY Times, in…

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