I published the inaugural version of the Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings last November. My intent was to rank domestic wineries based on buzz, “it” factor, excitement and the intrigue generated among wine collectors and consumers. I’ve ranked the wineries below and indicated whether they’ve moved up the list or down. I’ve also highlighted wineries new to the list and those…
I’ll keep this short! In my ongoing desire to give my readers fresh content on Zinfandel Chronicles I promise not to blog about these topics: High alcohol by volume (ABV) in Zinfandel Natural wines The 100 point scale to rate wines Score inflation in the aforementioned 100 point scale Slowing sales of domestic Syrah The knowledge, expertise or qualifications of…
This week marks the one year anniversary of Zinfandel Chronicles! My passion for wine dates to 1989, and Zinfandel Chronicles has become my medium for sharing that passion with anyone who cares to listen. Some highlights from the past year: The site was officially launched on June 24, 2012 with posts covering Total Wine, mailing list addiction and Bottle Notes…
What is your tolerance level for a flawed wine? I recently had the opportunity to share a bottle of ’05 Rayas with a friend. In retrospect the wine showed hints of brettanomyces, but nonetheless was one of the best bottles I have had this year. This got me thinking about the different types of wine flaws, and my level of…
Many wine collectors, myself included, have the romantic notion of buying a case of wine from their child’s birth year to give them upon their 21st birthday. I’m not going to get into the wisdom of giving a 21 year old first growth Bordeaux, but I do like the thought of having some fun bottles on hand to open at…
When I first started collecting wine I paid so much attention to vintage charts and rankings. I would buy sparingly from mediocre vintages like ’89 Napa Cabernets but I would back the truck up for a vintage like 1990. Nowadays I find myself paying far less attention to vintages and far more attention to producers. What changed my mind? I…
Cayuse was founded in 1997 by Christophe Baron, a native of France who grew up in family of winemakers in Champagne. Baron studied viticulture in Burgundy and Champagne, and had ambitions to make Pinot Noir in Oregon. However, on a visit to Walla Walla, he found property that he believed would be perfect for growing grapes and decided to purchase…
I recently purchased several bottles of ’09 Leoville Barton. The wine has long been a favorite of mine and I have over a dozen different vintages in the cellar going back to 1990. I knew the wine was well regarded by the Wine Spectator garnering a score a score of 95 points and the number 6 ranking in their top…
I recently read an article about the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and the new inductees to the California Vintners Hall of Fame. Members of the Hall of Fame include iconic California winemakers like Joe Heitz, Robert Mondavi and George de Latour. This made me wonder: Is there a Washington Vintners Hall of Fame? If so, who’s in it? As…
The heatwave vintage of 2003 has always been a controversial one, especially for two of my favorite regions, Bordeaux and Chateaunef du Pape. Much of Europe, France in particular, suffered under a brutal heat wave and drought. In Bordeaux the grapes were picked earlier than ever before. The levels of sugar, and therefore resulting alcohol, reached record levels, but the…