Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2001 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Octagon Vineyard – 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, Zinfandel

2011 Turley Zinfandel Old Vines – Bottle Notes

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 28 separate wines from 35 different vineyards, some with vines that date back to the late 1800’s. Tegan Passalacqua is the Director of Winemaking at Turley and has been…

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Bottle Notes

New Releases from Bonny Doon

Bonny Doon Vineyard began with an attempt to replicate Burgundy in California. Randall Grahm realized early on that he would have far more success working with Rhône varieties in the Central Coast of California. In 1986 Bonny Doon Vineyard released the inaugural vintage of Le Cigare Volant, an homage to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and this continues as the winery’s flagship/starship brand. Over…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2013 Navarro Vineyards Zinfandel – Bottle Notes

Located in the Anderson Valley, Navarro Vineyards has been producing exceptional, fairly-priced wines since 1974. The winery is best known for its range of Pinot Noirs, including the showstopper Deep End Blend (available through futures). They also produce an age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon a delicious Zinfandel and their whites are noteworthy with a one-of-a-kind Riesling, Gewurztaminer and Muscat Blanc. Crimson in color.…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

Zinfandel of the Month – 2013 Wonderment Wines Zinfandel Burton Ranch Vineyard

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 November Zinfandel of the Month is the 2013 Wonderment Wines Zinfandel Burton Ranch Vineyard. Wonderment Wines was…

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Bottle Notes

New Releases from Wonderment Wines

Wonderment Wines was founded in 2011 by Stephanie Cook. The wines are focused on specific terroir where each wine represents the vineyards distinctive style and expression. Stephanie honed her winemaking skills at Robert Biale Vineyards, Spottswoode Estate and Spy Valley in New Zealand before going out on her own. Stephanie recently sent me her new releases to review. 2013 Wonderment…

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Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

1997 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon – Bottle Notes

Gavin Newsom and Gordon Getty established PlumpJack Winery in 1995, inspired by one of Shakespeare’s most memorable characters, Sir John “PlumpJack” Falstaff. PlumpJack Winery sits squarely in the heart of Napa Valley’s renowned Oakville region, surrounded by a 42-acre estate vineyard highly regarded for the quality of its Cabernet Sauvignon. PlumpJack holds a special place in my heart: My wife and…

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Bottle Notes

New Releases from Stottle Winery

Stottle Winery was founded by Amy and Josh Stottlemyer. Josh has been winemaker from the start. Stottle offers a wide array of wines, including Barbera, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Viognier, Roussanne, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery sources its fruit from across the Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, and Columbia Valley appellations. Amy recently sent me a set of new releases to sample.…

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Bottle Notes, Syrah

2003 Araujo Syrah – 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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