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…
2019 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…
Pick My Next Bottle – 2016 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
The March Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 2016 Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. 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 Sunday and a Bottle Note will be published early next week. The 2016 vintage…
2016 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades – Bottle Notes
Domaine Saint-Damien is run by Joel and Amie Saurel. The Saurel family had been tending vineyards for four generations, dating back to 1821, and until recently selling all of the grapes to negociants. In 1996 Joel resumed producing wine at the estate and in 1998 they brought on consulting winemaker Philippe Cambie. Vinification is classic with wines being made in large old cement…
2018 Bedrock Wine Co. Heritage Wine Pagani Ranch – Bottle Notes
Bedrock Wine Co. was founded by Morgan Twain-Peterson in 2007 and focuses on small production wines from many of California’ s most treasured and historic vineyards. The lineup of wines at Bedrock is expanding rapidly, but I think the best of the best are the ancient vineyard Zinfandels, Morgan is clearly passion about. Pagani Ranch is just off Highway 12…
The Week in Zinfandel (3/17/25)
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!
2015 Anderson Family Vineyard Pinot Noir – Bottle Notes
Anderson Family Vineyard was founded by Cliff and Allison Anderson over 20 years ago. The winery is situated in the Dundee Hills of Willamette Valley and specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Ruby red in color. 13.3% ABV. Charming nose of red fruits, baking spices, citrus and forest floor. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Rich, fresh and earthy. Cherry, cranberry,…
New Releases from Ridge Vineyards
Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1959 when three Stanford Research Institute engineers bought an abandoned winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyards had been planted in the late 19th century by a San Francisco physician who produced his first vintage in the original winery, called Monte Bello, in 1892. The first Ridge vintage was in 1962. John Olney is Head…
The Week in Zinfandel (3/10/25)
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!
2014 Leonetti Merlot – Bottle Notes
Leonetti Cellar was founded in 1977 by Gary and Nancy Figgins. Leonetti, along with Quilceda Creek and Woodward Canyon put premium Washington Cabernet Sauvignon on the radar of wine consumers across the United States. Leonetti also produces one of the very best domestic Merlots. Leonetti is part of Figgins Family Wine Estates. Chris Figgins is now in charge of the…