Bottle Notes, Merlot

2006 Force Majeure CS IV – Bottle Notes

Previously known as Grand Rêve, Force Majeure was founded in 2004 by Paul McBride and Ryan Johnson. Force Majeure pairs some of Washington’s highly acclaimed winemakers with fruit from one of Washington’s highly acclaimed vineyards, Ciel du Cheval. The winemakers contributing to the Collaboration Series is a Who’s Who of Washington winemakers including Ben Smith, Carolyn Lakewold, Chris Gorman, James…

Continue Reading

Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (10/6/14)

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! Cliff’s Wine Picks reviews the 2012 Trentadue Winery Zinfandel. Grape Collective writes Three Words You Never Thought You’d See Together. JVB Uncorked reviews the 2012 Hahn Family…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2005 Williams Selyem Zinfandel Bacigalupi 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…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes

2010 Rasa Vineyards Mourvedre Vox Populi – Bottle Notes

Rasa Vineyards is a relatively new winery located in Walla Walla, Washington. Founded in 2007 by brothers Pinto and Billo Naravane, Rasa specializes in Syrah-based wines but has also released Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, Petite Verdot, Grenache and Mourvedre. There is also a second label known as PB Wines. Pinto is the Managing Partner, while Billo is the Winemaker. Light…

Continue Reading

Bordeaux, Bottle Notes

2001 Troplong Mondot – Bottle Notes

The 2001 Troplong Mondot was the winning bottle in the September installment of Pick My Next Bottle. In actuality the Troplong Mondot tied with Cos d’Estournel but yours truly was more excited to try the Troplong Mondot. I promise a Bottle Note on the Cos in the near future. The wine was decanted for an hour and served with steaks.…

Continue Reading

Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (9/29/14)

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! California Trekking writes Hilltop, Inn, and Zinfandel Trails – Opolo Vineyards. S. Irene Virbila of the LA Times reviews the 2012 Saldo Zinfandel. Cliff’s Wine Picks reviews…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

2008 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series – Bottle Notes

Located in the Walla Walla Valley appellation of Washington State, Woodward Canyon Winery was started in 1981 by Rick Small and his wife, Darcey Fugman-Small. Woodward Canyon produces almost a dozen different wines, and their Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Chardonnay are some of the very best examples of those varietals produced in Washington State. I wrote about Rick…

Continue Reading