Spottswoode is a family owned winegrowing estate located on the western edge of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. The 46 acre estate, established in 1882, is distinguished by the historic Victorian home depicted on the label. Its entrance is graced by classic formal gardens, while the vineyard stretches behind to the Mayacamas Mountains. The Spottswoode Estate was bought by…
Pick My Next Bottle – 2003 Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The July installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the the 2003 vintage. 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 on Saturday and a Bottle Note will be published the following week.…
2000 Isole e Olena Cepparello Toscana IGT – Bottle Notes
Paolo di Marchi has run Isole e Olena since the age of 20. Paolo avoids the Cabernet Sauvignon many of his neighbors have begun to incorporate into their Chiantis, believing it overshadows the Sangiovese. The flagship wine at Isole e Olena is Cepparello, a barrique-aged Sangiovese classified as an IGT – because at the time of its creation in the…
The Week in Zinfandel (7/13/15)
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! Cliff’s Wine Picks reviews the 2009 Novy Family Wines Zinfandel Papera Ranch. The Wines of Lodi, CA writes Sensible Wines for Summer Barbecues. Ken’s Wine Guide reviews…
2012 Angel Vine Zinfandel Columbia Valley – Bottle Notes
Angel Vine owners Ed and Laureen Fus moved their family to Oregon in 1997 to pursue their dream of farming a vineyard. The Three Angels Vineyard (named after Laureen and their two daughters) is located in Oregon’s Eola-Amity Hills and produces Pinot Noir used by several local wineries. Ed eventually decided to make his own wine focusing on single vineyard…
2009 Pierre-Marie Chermette Domaine du Vissoux Fleurie Poncie – Bottle Notes
Pierre-Marie Chermette is located in the hamlet of Le Vissoux in the southern Beaujolais region. With his wife Martine, Pierre-Marie owns and operates Domaine du Vissoux. The estate has been in existence since the 17th century, and Pierre-Marie’s family has been involved in winemaking in the region for generations. Fleurie is a village located near the center of Beaujolais, and…
2007 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Goldridge Vineyard – Bottle Notes
Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. The grapes for Dehlinger Wines are largely grown on the Estate Vineyard in the Russian…
The Week in Zinfandel (7/6/15)
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! Cliff’s Wine Picks reviews the 2009 Turley Zinfandel Old Vines. Finding Our Way Now writes about Sobon Estate Winery Cougar Hill Zinfandel. Delectable writes Blind Tasting Zinfandel…
2010 Rasa Vineyards Creative Impulse DuBrul Vineyard – 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. Dark…
Zinfandel of the Month – 2012 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Sodini 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 July Zinfandel of the Month is the 2012 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Sodini Vineyard. Bedrock Wine Co.…









