Bottle Notes

2020 Marcel Lapierre Morgon – Bottle Notes

Marcel Lapierre took over the family domaine from his father in 1973. The winery dates back to the early 1900’s. In 1981 Marcel met Jules Chauvet. A winemaker, researcher and chemist, Chavet preached for natural wines and the traditional methods of Beaujolais. Joined by local vignerons Guy Breton, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Jean Foillard, Marcel led a group that soon went to the…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2018 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard – 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. Mike recently announced his retirement and subsequently 2024 will be the last vintage of wines produced…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes

2023 Navarro Zinfandel Old Vine Cuvée – Bottle Notes

Located in the Anderson Valley, Navarro Vineyards has been producing exceptional, fairly-priced wines since 1974. The winery is best known for its range of Pinot Noirs, including the showstopper Deep End Blend (available through futures). They also produce an age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon a delicious Zinfandel and their whites are noteworthy and food friendly with an exceptional Riesling, Gewurztaminer and Gruner Vetliner…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2014 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Renatus – 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. Renatus is a selection of the youngest Pinot Noir vines on the Dehlinger Estate. Dehlinger…

Continue Reading

Bordeaux, Bottle Notes

2017 Chateau Tour Saint Christophe – Bottle Notes

The 20 hectare St. Emilion vineyard of Chateau Tour Saint Christophe is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The property was purchased by Peter Kwok in 2012. Kwok also owns Bellefont-Belcier and Haut-Brisson. Purple in color. 14.5% ABV. Gorgeous nose of dark fruits, leather and wet leaves. Medium body with perfect acidity. Very approachable with opulent fruits. Currants, cassis, tobacco leaves…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2019 Once & Future Zinfandel Bedrock Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Joel Peterson founded Ravenswood Winery in 1976 with a focus on Single Vineyard Zinfandel. Ravenswood was immensely successful and over time began producing in excess of a million cases per year. Once & Future is the return to the original vision Joel had for Ravenswood so many years ago – a small project specializing in wines from unique older vineyards. Bedrock Vineyard,…

Continue Reading

Random Musings

A Visit with John Thomas at Thomas Winery

This past Saturday I was able to visit with John Thomas of Thomas Winery. I’ve been on the mailing list of Thomas for over 15 years and have been fortunate to try most of the wines going back to 2004 or so. I’ve blogged about Thomas frequently including Thomas Winery: The Best Pinot Noir You Have Never Heard Of. Thomas…

Continue Reading

Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2022 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – Bottle Notes

Thomas Rivers Brown and his wife Genevieve Marie Welsh have quickly made Rivers-Marie one of California’s most sought after Pinot Noir labels. The winery was founded in 2002 and the first release was the Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir. In addition to the line up of Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs, Rivers-Marie also makes a several single vineyard Cabernets and Chardonnay. Thomas is…

Continue Reading