Admire was founded by Dan Kosta in 2022. We all know Dan’s story with Kosta Browne and later with AldenAlli and Convene. Admire is made entirely from Sonoma Coast grapes. Ruby red in color. 14.1% ABV. Charming nose of red fruits, cloves, baking spices and rose petals. Light to medium body with ample acidity. Crisp and fresh with elegant fruits.…
Marcel Lapierre took over the family domaine from his father in 1973. The winery dates back to the early 1900’s. In 1981 Marcel met Jules Chauvet. A winemaker, researcher and chemist, Chavet preached for natural wines and the traditional methods of Beaujolais. Joined by local vignerons Guy Breton, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Jean Foillard, Marcel led a group that soon went to the…
Joel Peterson founded Ravenswood Winery in 1976 with a focus on Single Vineyard Zinfandel. Ravenswood was immensely successful and over time began producing in excess of a million cases per year. Joel eventually sold Ravenswood to Constellation. I recall going to Ravenswood every August in the mid nineties for the release of their Single Vineyard Zins with the intent of…
Argiano dates back to the 16th century. The nearly 120 acres of vineyards are planted to Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah. The wines, both Brunello di Montalcino and Solengo, have routinely received outstanding scores. In 1992 Argiano was acquired by the Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano. Ruby red in color. 14% ABV. Pretty nose of red fruits, leather,…
Gary Farrell founded the Gary Farrell Winery in 1982. Gary’s eariest mentors include Davis Bynum, Tom Dehlinger and Joe Rochioli. The winery sits in the heart of the Russian River Valley on Westside Road. Gary Farrell sold the winery in 2004 and it is currently owned by investor Bill Price and partners through the Vincraft Group. Olivet Lane Vineyard dates…
Turley Wine Cellars was founded in 1993 by Larry Turley and specializes in small lots of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from some of California’s most historic and treasured vineyards. Turley now makes right around 50 separate wines from 47 different vineyards, some with vines that date back to the late 1800’s. Tegan Passalacqua is the Director of Winemaking at Turley and…
The Manetti family, which has run the Fontodi winery since 1968, is a true champion of sangiovese. The 200 acre estate is situated in the “golden basin” known as Conca d’Ora, south of Panzano in Chianti Classico. Their flagship called Flaccianello has been produced since 1981 and is from the estates very best vineyard. Amongst other wines, Fontodi also produces…
Joe Martin established St. Francis Vineyard in 1971, planting 22 acres of Chardonnay and the first 60 acres of Merlot in Sonoma Valley. After achieving great success as a grower, Joe opened his own St. Francis Winery in 1979 with his business partner Lloyd Canton. Katie Madigan is the winemaker who oversees the Zinfandel program. Sourced from a number of…
One of the most collectible Pinot Noirs made in all of Oregon is from a winery you’ve probably never heard of: Thomas Winery. Located in Carlton, Oregon, winemaker John Thomas has been releasing small amounts of wine from the Thomas Vineyard since 1988. I don’t recall ever seeing ratings from the Wine Advocate or the Wine Spectator, and I don’t think…
Cayuse was founded in 1997 by Christophe Baron, a native of France who grew up in family of winemakers in Champagne. Baron studied viticulture in Burgundy and Champagne, and had ambitions to make Pinot Noir in Oregon. However, on a visit to Walla Walla he found property that he believed would be perfect for growing grapes and decided to purchase…