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.…
2008 Betz Family Syrah La Côte Rousse – Bottle Notes
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. The winery was sold to Steve and Bridget Griessel four years ago. Bob is still making the wines at Betz with the capable…
The Week in Zinfandel (10/5/15)
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 Top Elk Grove Chef Finds Love at First Sip in Lodi. le News writes Zinfandel or Primitivo? It’s the Same! Find…
2013 Carlisle Zinfandel Sonoma County – Bottle Notes
Carlisle Winery & Vineyards was founded in 1998 by Mike and Kendall Officer. Their passion is clear: Small lots of Zinfandel and Syrah from exceptional, historic vineyards. Many of these vineyards are heritage sites planted by Italian immigrants and date back to the late 1800s . They have also recently added their first whites, two blends from historic, old-vine vineyards plus Sonoma…
New Releases from Matchbook Wine Company
Matchbook Wine Company was founded by John and Karl Giguiere in 2004. The winery is located in Zamora, CA in the Dunnigan Hills AVA. The name traces back to John and Karl’s boyhood love of fires. Matchbook currently produces over 15 different wines. I recently had the opportunity to sample a few of the wineries new releases. 2012 Arsonist Red…
2006 J. Rochioli Chardonnay Rachael’s 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. In 1987 Rochioli released their first estate wine, the 1985 Rochioli Pinot Noir. Although best known for their world class Pinot Noir, Rochioli also produces remarkable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery recently published a detailed map of…
Zinfandel of the Month – 2013 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel R.W. Moore 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 October Zinfandel of the Month is the 2013 Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel R.W. Moore Vineyard. Robert Biale…
The Week in Zinfandel (9/28/15)
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! Reverse Wine Snob reviews the 2011 Murphy-Goode Liars Dice Zinfandel. Food & Wine writes William Shatner’s New Wine Enterprise. Jetsetting Fashionista writes about St. Francis Winery &…
2013 Robert Biale Vineyards Petite Sirah “Royal Punishers” – Bottle Notes
Robert Biale Vineyards in Napa has its roots in the 1930s, when the Biale family started growing Zinfandel grapes and other produce on the outskirts of Napa. The family grapes mostly were sold to local wineries, though the Biales saved some to make wine for the family. The winery was formally founded in 1991. The estate grows Zinfandel and Petite…
2011 Turley Zinfandel Juvenile – Bottle Notes
Turley Wine Cellars was founded in 1993 by Larry Turley and specializes in small lots of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from some of California’s most historic and treasured vineyards. Turley now makes 28 separate wines from 35 different vineyards, some with vines that date back to the late 1800’s. Tegan Passalacqua is the Director of Winemaking at Turley and has been…