Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (2/2/15)

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 Fredricks Vineyard. Wine Oh.tv writes 6 Victorious Vegetarian Bites and Zinfandel Wine Pairings. Traveling Wine Chick writes Got #Hashtags?…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Syrah

2009 Force Majeure Collaboration Series III Syrah – Bottle Notes

Force Majeure was founded in 2004 by Paul McBride and made its name pairing 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 Mantone, Mark McNeilly and Mike McMorran. Todd Alexander, formerly…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

2006 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…

Continue Reading

Bordeaux, Bottle Notes

1995 Chateau Lynch Bages – Bottle Notes

The 1995 Lynch Bages was the leading vote getter in the January installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The winery is located in Pauillac, and is designated a 5th growth as determined by the classification of 1855. At release time, the wine received a rating of 91 points from the Wine Advocate. I purchased this bottle on release and the cork…

Continue Reading

Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (1/26/15)

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! News & Observer writes 9 Wines That are a Better Match Than Beer for Super Bowl Snacks. Cliff’s Wine Picks reviews the 2007 Ridge Geyserville. This is My…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Syrah

2009 Betz Family Winery La Serenne – 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 (with Bob Betz remaining on as the winemaker), and I fully expect quality will…

Continue Reading

Cellar Management

Pick My Next Bottle – 1995 Bordeaux

The January installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on Bordeaux from the the now 20 year old 1995 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…

Continue Reading

Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (1/19/15)

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! Cliff’s Wine Picks reviews the 2012 St. Amant Zinfandel Old Vines Mohr-Fry Ranch Vineyard. Crushed writes 9 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Zinfandel. Social Vignerons reviews…

Continue Reading