Bottle Notes

Force Majeure Fall 2014 Release Party

Previously known as Grand Rêve, Force Majeure was founded in 2004 by Paul McBride. 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 Mantone, Mark McNeilly,…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2009 Sojourn Pinot Noir Rodgers Creek 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. Rodgers Creek Vineyard is situated between Sonoma and Petaluma. It sits at 300 feet above sea level with almost perfect western exposure.…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (11/3/14)

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! Wine Musings Blog writes The Great Kosher California and Israeli Zin-off (Zinfandel Challenge). Angels + Thieves writes Old Vines. A Love Story. Wine Business writes Seghesio Family…

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Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

2005 J. Rochioli Chardonnay Rachael’s 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. Rochioli recently published a detailed map of the Estate Vineyard that is required viewing for fans of the winery. Rachael’s Vineyard…

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Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

2000 Araujo Cabernet Sauvignon – 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.…

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Random Musings

Wine Storage Options

Every new collector is faced with the dilemma of an active or passive wine cellar. An active cellar does not fluctuate in temperature but a passive cellar does. Conventional wisdom is that wine ages best when stored at a constant temperature of 55 degrees. On the other hand some of the great wineries in Europe have used passive underground caves…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2009 Carlisle Zinfandel Montafi Vineyard – Bottle Notes

The 2009 Carlisle Zinfandel Montafi Vineyard was the winning bottle in the October installment of Pick My Next Bottle. 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. Montafi Vineyard was planted in 1926. Located farther up the eastern bench of the…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (10/27/14)

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 reviewed the 2010 Turley Zinfandel Dusi Vineyard. Rockin Red Blog writes Old World or New World: What’s Your Style. Town & Country Magazine writes…

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Bottle Notes, Syrah

2010 Rasa Vineyards QED – 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. The…

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