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…
The Week in Zinfandel (10/26/15)
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! The Wines of Lodi, CA writes Lodi’s Fascinating History as a Johnny-Come-Lately Wine Region. The Grape Girls write Zinsanity: A Wild Walk with Zinfandel. Cheap Wine Finder…
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. Stephanie recently sent me her new releases to review. 2013 Wonderment…
Pick My Next Bottle – 2008 Pinot Noir
The October installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 2008 Pinot Noir from California and Oregon. 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. I plan on opening the winning bottle this coming weekend and will publish a Bottle Note…
The Week in Zinfandel (10/19/15)
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! The Wines of Lodi, CA writes Victor Vineyards, Lodi’s Latest Award Winning Producer. Terroirist interviews Richie Allen, Winemaker at Rombauer Vineyards. Shanken News Daily writes Don Sebastiani…
1997 Plumpjack Cabernet Sauvignon – Bottle Notes
Gavin Newsom and Gordon Getty established PlumpJack Winery in 1995, inspired by one of Shakespeare’s most memorable characters, Sir John “PlumpJack” Falstaff. PlumpJack Winery sits squarely in the heart of Napa Valley’s renowned Oakville region, surrounded by a 42-acre estate vineyard highly regarded for the quality of its Cabernet Sauvignon. PlumpJack holds a special place in my heart: My wife and…
New Releases from Stottle Winery
Stottle Winery was founded by Amy and Josh Stottlemyer. Josh has been winemaker from the start. Stottle offers a wide array of wines, including Barbera, Nebbiolo, Tempranillo, Viognier, Roussanne, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery sources its fruit from across the Yakima Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, and Columbia Valley appellations. Amy recently sent me a set of new releases to sample.…
Dinner at The Herbfarm
The Herbfarm is a Pacific Northwest treasure. What began as a farm in Fall City is now a world renowned dining establishment in the heart of Woodinville wine country. The Herbfarm is owned by the dynamic husband and wife team of Ron Zimmerman and Carrie Van Dyck. Four nights a week Ron and Carrie and their trusted staff lead a…
The Week in Zinfandel (10/12/15)
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! Vinography reviews the 2013 Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs. Wine Enthusiast writes Discover Paso Robles’ Booming Wine Scene. Santa Rosa Press Democrat writes Wine of the Week: Joel…
2003 Araujo Syrah – Bottle Notes
Araujo Estate is a 38-acre vineyard in northeast Napa Valley, east of Calistoga. It was established in 1990 when Bart and Daphne Araujo bought the historic vineyard from Milt and Barbara Eisele, who planted the vines in the 1960s. For nearly 40 years the Eisele Vineyard has been known as one of the valley’s great vineyards, consistently producing outstanding wines.…