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…
Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 by Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley. The winery specializes in Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and recently added a Chardonnay to the lineup. Their fruit is sourced from some of California’s finest vineyards. From Sangiacomo and Keller Estate Vineyards. Golden in color. 14.1% ABV. My first try of the inaugural vintage of Sojourn Chardonnay. Beautiful…
Lauren Ashton Cellars was founded in 2009 by Kit Singh. A Dentist by profession, Kit’s passion for wine was fueled by trips to Napa, Sonoma and Europe’s best known wine regions. Kit’s enology background includes classes at UC Davis and Seattle Community College along with an internship at Delille Cellars. The inspiration for the name of the winery was Kit’s…
Zinfandel of the Month is a new 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 August Zinfandel of the Month is the 2012 Robert Biale Black Chicken. Robert Biale Vineyards in Napa…
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. Crimson in…
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. The Old Vines is a blend of 18 vineyards with an average of 80 years old. They hail from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador, and Paso Robles. Bright purple…
The 2001 Domaine du Pégaü Cuvée Réservée was the winning bottle in the July installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was briefly decanted and served with grilled steaks. The family of Domaine du Pegau has roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape dating back to the mid-17th century. The word Pegau refers to a wine jug discovered in the excavations of the…
Lucien Camus, of Domaine Camus-Bruchon, is a rising star in the Côte de Beaune. Located in the village of Savigny-les-Beaune, just to the north of Beaune proper, he produces exceptional, balanced and complex wines. Lucien Camus took over for his father in 1971, and has a lovely spread of top vineyards in Savigny-les-Beaune well as a bit of premier cru…
Domaine Simon Bize is in Savigny-Les-Beaune, in Burgundy. The estate dates from the late 19th century, when the original Simon Bize started the vineyards. Several generations later the estate is still in the hands of the Bize family with Patrick Bize now in charge. The 53-acre estate includes grand cru parcels in Corton-Charlemagne and Latricieres-Chambertin. There are also premier cru…
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…