Guardian Cellars was founded in 2004 by Jerry Riener. Like many winemakers, Jerry supports his passion with a day job. His profession as a police officer sheds some light on the naming theme of the Guardian wines: Chalk Line, Gun Metal, Angel.
Author: Tom Lee
2007 Sojourn Pinot Noir, Demuth Vineyard – Bottle Notes
Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 by Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley. The winery specializes in Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon with fruit sourced from some of California’s finest vineyards.
2003 Cayuse Syrah En Cerise – Bottle Notes
Cayuse Vineyards is one of the few in Washington that literally needs no introduction. En Cerise Vineyard was planted in 1998. Translated from French, it means cherry – appropriate as the site was a former orchard.
The Wine Enthusiast’s Guide to Camping
Our annual camping trip with my wife’s sisters and their families took us to Deception Pass State Park on Whidbey Island, just about two hours north of Seattle. Six adults, six kids, one dog and 48 hours in the pristine Pacific NW. The trip is not about wine, but it definitely plays a part. Over the years I’ve learned a…
2009 Dehlinger Zinfandel Guadagni Vineyard – Bottle Notes
I had been waiting for the right occasion to open a Zinfandel from one of my favorite Pinot Noir producers and Independence Day seemed liked the perfect fit. When this wine was produced, it had been more than 30 years since Dehlinger last made a Zinfandel. The fruit for this wine was sourced from the century-old vines of Guadagni Vineyard…
2008 Rochioli Sauvignon Blanc – Bottle Notes
Rochioli Vineyards & Winery 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.
Zinfandel: The All-American Wine
What better way to celebrate Independence Day, the most American of holidays, than with Zinfandel, the most American of wines? France can arguably lay claim to the best Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay. Germany to the best Riesling. But the USA lays claim to the best Zinfandel!
2005 Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Cote Ronde – Bottle Notes
The 2005 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape produced rich wines with powerful flavors and extreme structure. The ’05 Domaine Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée La Cote Ronde is from a parcel of 90 year old vines and is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Muscardin.
Forgive Me Bacchus For I Have Sold Some Wine
Many fellow collectors express shock when I tell them I have sold some of my wine before: “I would never sell my wine!” This reaction always puzzles me. Most people have no problem selling stocks, personal belongings, cars, etc. Why would selling wine be any different?
2005 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel – Bottle Notes
When I first became interested in Zinfandel the buzz was always around the Three R’s of Zinfandel: Ravenswood, Rosenblum and Ridge. 20 years later Ridge is still at the top of its game, turning out single vineyard Zinfandel from some of California’s most precious vineyards.