Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

Zinfandel of the Month – 2012 Thurston Wolfe Zinfandel Howling Wolfe

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 February Zinfandel of the Month is the 2012 Thurston Wolfe Zinfandel Howling Wolfe. Wade Wolfe and Rebecca Yeaman founded…

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Bottle Notes, Syrah

2009 Force Majeure Collaboration Series III Syrah – Bottle Notes

Force Majeure was founded in 2004 by Paul McBride and made its name pairing 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 and Mike McMorran. Todd Alexander, formerly…

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Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

2006 J. Rochioli Chardonnay River Block 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. River Block…

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Bordeaux, Bottle Notes

1995 Chateau Lynch Bages – Bottle Notes

The 1995 Lynch Bages was the leading vote getter in the January installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The winery is located in Pauillac, and is designated a 5th growth as determined by the classification of 1855. At release time, the wine received a rating of 91 points from the Wine Advocate. I purchased this bottle on release and the cork…

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Bottle Notes, Syrah

2009 Betz Family Winery La Serenne – Bottle Notes

Betz Family Winery was founded in 1997 by Bob & Cathy Betz. Critical acclaim from local and national wine publications has put Betz Family Winery at the forefront of Washington wines alongside Cayuse, Leonetti and Quilceda Creek. The winery was sold to Steve and Bridget Griessel (with Bob Betz remaining on as the winemaker), and I fully expect quality will…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2006 Dehlinger Estate Pinot Noir – 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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