Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

2007 J. Rochioli Chardonnay River Block Vineyard – Bottle Notes

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. River Block…

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Cellar Management

Pick My Next Bottle – Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

The June Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened this Saturday and a Bottle Note will be published shortly thereafter. The…

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Bottle Notes

New Releases from Troon Vineyard

Troon Vineyard, established in 1972, is located in the heart of the Applegate Valley AVA, the southernmost appellation in Oregon. Troon was one of the first grape growers in Southern Oregon, and is home to the region’s earliest planting of Zinfandel in 1972. They now grow more than 20 additional varietals on over 40 planted acres. I was fortunate to try some…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (6/13/16)

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. Cheers! Now and Zin Wine reviews the 2013 Edmeades Zinfandel Shamrock Vineyard. Finding Our Way Now writes Twisted Roots Winery Zinfandel. The Daily Meal writes 15 Red Wines…

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Bordeaux, Bottle Notes

The Cru Bourgeois Wines of Bordeaux

The Cru Bourgeois classification lists some of the Chateau from the Médoc that were not included in the 1855 Classification of Classified Growths. The first Cru Bourgeois list was drawn up by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce in 1932, selecting 444 estates for the classification. A substantial revision of the classification in 2003 reduced the number of Chateau listed to 247.…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (6/6/16)

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. Cheers! Tim Fish writes 2013 Zins: The Good, the Great and the Yummy. Miami Herald writes Brambly Red Zinfandel Perfect for Summer Grilling. Wine Spectator writes E &…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2004 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Flax Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Williams Selyem Winery began when Ed Selyem and Burt Williams started making wine as a hobby in 1979 in Forestville, California. Their first commercial release was in 1981, and in less than two decades they created a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Setting a new standard for Pinot Noir winemaking, they put Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley at the forefront…

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Bottle Notes

2006 Cayuse Impulsivo – Bottle Notes

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…

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