Argiano dates back to the 16th century. The nearly 120 acres of vineyards are planted to Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah. The wines, both Brunello di Montalcino and Super Tuscans, have routinely received outstanding scores. In 1992 Argiano was acquired by the Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano. Solengo, which is Tuscan for “lone wild boar”, is the product…
2017 Harney Lane Zinfandel Scottsdale Vineyard – Bottle Notes
Harney Lane Winery was founded in 2006 by George and Kathy Mettler. The family’s history in the area dates back to the early 1900’s when they began farming vineyards on Harney Lane and the surrounding area. Harney Lane makes a wide variety of wines, but like many wineries in Lodi, they are perhaps best know for their Zins. Scottsdale Vineyard…
2008 Thomas Pinot Noir Dundee Hills – Bottle Notes
One of the most collectible Pinot Noirs made in all of Oregon is from a winery you’ve probably never heard of: Thomas Winery. Located in Carlton, Oregon, winemaker John Thomas has been releasing small amounts of wine from the Thomas Vineyard since 1988. I don’t recall ever seeing ratings from the Wine Advocate or the Wine Spectator, and I don’t think…
New Releases from Wonderment Wines
Wonderment Wines was founded in 2011 by Stephanie Cook. The wines are focused on specific terroir where each wine represents the vineyards distinctive style and expression. Stephanie honed her winemaking skills at Robert Biale Vineyards, Spottswoode Estate and Spy Valley in New Zealand before going out on her own. Wonderment Wines produces Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah and Sauvignon Blanc.…
2011 Marcel Lapierre Morgon Cuvée Marcel Lapierre – Bottle Notes
Marcel Lapierre took over the family domaine from his father in 1973. The winery dates back to the early 1900’s. In 1981 Marcel met Jules Chauvet. A winemaker, researcher and chemist, Chavet preached for natural wines and the traditional methods of Beaujolais. Joined by local vignerons Guy Breton, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Jean Foillard, Marcel led a group that soon went to the…
Zinfandel of the Month – 2016 Harney Lane Old Vine Zinfandel Lizzy James Vineyard
Zinfandel of the Month is a regular 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 May Zinfandel of the Month is the 2016 Harney Lane Old Vine Zinfandel Lizzy James Vineyard. Harney Lane Winery was…
The Week in Zinfandel (5/4/20)
Welcome to the latest installment of The Week in Zinfandel. If I missed your post or story please send me a link and I will be sure to include it next week. Randy Caparoso writes Quarantining 49er Style with Beans, Barbecue and Zinfandel. Stephen Brook writes Wine Legend: Martinelli, Jackass Hill Zinfandel 1994. ZAP Wine Blog writes Limerick Lane Winery…
2019 Lauren Ashton Cellars Rosé – Bottle Notes
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…
2005 Switchback Ridge Petite Sirah – Bottle Notes
Switchback Ridge wines are sourced from the Peterson Family Vineyard. The property, located just off the Silverado Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga has been in the Peterson Family since 1914 and was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah in 1990. Kelly Peterson along with her father John founded Switchback Ridge in 1999. She is responsible for all aspects…
2013 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – Bottle Notes
Kosta Browne was founded in the late nineties by Dan Kosta and Michael Browne. In 2009 controlling interest was sold to Vincraft for close to $40 million. In 2015 J.W. Childs Associates, a Boston-based private equity firm, bought out Vincraft. Most recently Kosta Browne was purchased by Duckhorn Wine Company. With these investments have come numerous changes including a new Winery (Gallery)…









