C.L. Butaud was founded in Austin, Texas, in 2014 by husband and wife Randy and Brooke Hester. Their mission was to create ultra-premium wines entirely from Texas vineyards, building on their experience working at some of the most acclaimed Napa Valley wineries. The Hesters’ winemaking journey began in 2006 in Napa Valley, where they set out on a 10-year path…
Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1959 when three Stanford Research Institute engineers bought an abandoned winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyards had been planted in the late 19th century by a San Francisco physician who produced his first vintage in the original winery, called Monte Bello, in 1892. The first Ridge vintage was in 1962. John Olney is Head…
Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1959 when three Stanford Research Institute engineers bought an abandoned winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyards had been planted in the late 19th century by a San Francisco physician who produced his first vintage in the original winery, called Monte Bello, in 1892. The first Ridge vintage was in 1962. John Olney is Head…
The 2006 Clos des Papes was the winning bottle in the February Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for an hour and served with burgers. Clos des Papes is owned by the Avril family, now headed by Paul Avril and his son Vincent. The family has been making wine in Chateauneuf-du-Pape for 300 years. The name…
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. Many of these vineyards are heritage sites planted by Italian immigrants and date back to the late 1800s . Papera Ranch is situated in the Russian River Valley at the intersection of Piner and…
Freeman Winery was founded by Ken and Akiko Freeman in 2001. Freeman has been one of the great pioneers of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Akiko is the winemaker. The winery also makes a Riesling and a Sparkling Wine. Ruby red in color. 14.1% ABV. Intriguing nose of red fruits, sage and forest floor. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Rich…
Robert Biale Vineyards in Napa has its roots in the 1930s, when the Biale family started growing Zinfandel grapes and other produce on the outskirts of Napa. The family grapes mostly were sold to local wineries, though the Biales saved some to make wine for the family. The winery was formally founded in 1991. The estate grows Zinfandel and Petite…
Papapietro Perry Winery was founded in 2000 by Bruce and Renae Perry and Ben and Yolanda Papapietro. The four had been making Pinot Noir in Ben and Yolanda’s San Francisco garage for many years prior. Ben is the current Executive Winemaker. The winery specializes in small lots of Pinot Noirs and Zinfandels from carefully selected vineyards. 2021 Papapietro Perry 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 March Zinfandel of the Month is the 2022 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Black Chicken. I chose this…
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 the land.…