Bottle Notes

2009 Tenuta Renieri Re Di Renieri – Bottle Notes

The Renieri Tenuta comprises 128 hectares in the southern quadrant of Montalcino. The principal grape variety at Renieri is Sangiovese but varieties that are more international and less common in this area, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Petit Verdot are also a focus. Violet in color. 14.5% ABV. 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc…

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Bottle Notes, Syrah

2007 Force Majeure Collaboration Series III – Bottle Notes

Previously known as Grand Rêve, Force Majeure was founded in 2004 by Paul McBride and Ryan Johnson. Force Majeure pairs 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…

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Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

Quilceda Creek Spring 2014 Release Party

Quilceda Creek Vintners was founded in 1978 by Alex and Jeanette Golitzin. Alex is the nephew of André Tchelistcheff, the legendary winemaker who put Beaulieu Vineyard at the forefront of Napa Valley Cabernet in the 1960s and 70s. He credits summer trips to visit his uncle in St. Helena, California with developing his early interest in wine. Alex’s son, Paul…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2001 Rochioli Pinot Noir Little Hill 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. I’ve blogged about Rochioli previously in Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and the Fab 5 of Mailing Lists. Little Hill Vineyard is…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2007 Ridge Lytton Springs – Bottle Notes

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. Since 1969 Ridge’s…

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Bottle Notes

Betz Family Winery Winter 2014 Release Party

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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