Rochioli Vineyards & Winery 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.
What better way to celebrate Independence Day, the most American of holidays, than with Zinfandel, the most American of wines? France can arguably lay claim to the best Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay. Germany to the best Riesling. But the USA lays claim to the best Zinfandel!
The 2005 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape produced rich wines with powerful flavors and extreme structure. The ’05 Domaine Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée La Cote Ronde is from a parcel of 90 year old vines and is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Muscardin.
When I first became interested in Zinfandel the buzz was always around the Three R’s of Zinfandel: Ravenswood, Rosenblum and Ridge. 20 years later Ridge is still at the top of its game, turning out single vineyard Zinfandel from some of California’s most precious vineyards.
Bedrock Wine Co. was founded by Morgan Twain-Peterson in 2007 and focuses on small production wines from some of California’ s most treasured and historic vineyards.
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. Although the winery was recently sold to Steve and Bridget Griessel (with Bob Betz remaining on as the Winemaker) I expect quality will…
Dehlinger is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by current owner/winemaker Tom Dehlinger. Although they are known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Spottswoode made their first Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1982 vintage and is one of the true iconic Cabernet producers in Napa Valley. The Estate Vineyard and winery are located in St. Helena. They also make an exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, a 2nd Cabernet called Lydenhurst and a Rhone blend known as Field Book.
Pahlmeyer made its debut release with the 1986 vintage garnering a 94 point rating from Robert Parker and has never looked back. Former winemaker Helen Turley, who made this wine, began her 5-year stint at Pahlmeyer in 1993.