Alberto Rafanelli, an Italian immigrant, first founded A. Rafanelli Winery in the early 1900’s. It wasn’t until the early 70’s that Alberto’s son, Americo, came out with the present day label and started selling the wine commercially. David and Patty Rafanelli now run the winery and a 4th generation Rafanelli, their daughter Shelly, is the winemaker. The winery is perhaps…
The August installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 1995 California Cabernet Sauvignon (see the July installment for background on this series). I plan on opening the winning bottle on August 25th, and publishing an in depth bottle note on August 27th. 1995 was the third vintage in a string of four exceptional vintages in Napa Valley. James Laube…
Petite Sirah was first bottled as its own varietal by Concannon in 1961. The wines made in these early years were huge, tannic, extracted wines. Some of the better examples like Ridge York Creek, Freemark Abbey, Stags’ Leap and David Bruce were thought to be wines capable of aging for 30 or more years. Therein though was the problem as…
Switchback Ridge wines are sourced from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga. The property has been in the Peterson Family since 1914 and was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah in 1990. Bob Foley has been the winemaker since the inaugural vintage in 1999.
Rochioli Vineyards is one of the true pioneers in Russian River Valley, with a winemaking history dating back to the the late 1950s. Although best known for their world class Pinot Noir, Rochioli also produces remarkable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
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…
Outpost sits atop Howell Mountain and strives to make world class Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Grenache from an amazing estate vineyard. Thomas Rivers-Brown has been the winemaker from the very start. He has also gone on to start his own winery, Rivers-Marie, all the while making truly exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon for Schrader amongst others.
Founded in 1975 by current owner/winemaker Tom Dehlinger, Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. Although they are known for their Pinot Noir, they also make Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Roumier is one of the most esteemed producers in all of Burgundy. Founded in 1924 by George Roumier, son Christophe began managing the the Domaine in 1982 and took over full control in 1990 upon retirement of his father. The winery produces a wide array of wines, ranging from the Chabolle-Musigny at $90 to the Bonne Mares, upwards of $1,000…
Every wine consumer seems to have a “line in the sand” price for certain varietals. For Napa Cabernet, many draw the line at $100. Top flight Pinot Noir and Syrah from California draw wide support up to the $50 price point. For Zinfandel the threshold seems much lower. That point for Zinfandel seems to be right around $40. Why is…