Bottle Notes, Syrah

2007 Reynvaan Syrah The Contender – Bottle Notes

Reynvaan Family Vineyards is a small family owned winery started by Mike and Gale Reynvaan in May of 2004 in Walla Walla, Washington. They initially purchased a 37 acre parcel of land on Cottonwood Road at the base of the Blue Mountains. Their son Matt is the winemaker and Christophe Baron of Cayuse has served as a consultant. Reynvaan Family…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2010 Carlisle Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley – 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. Sourced from Teldeschi Ranch, Mounts Ranch, Oddone Vineyard and Del Carlo Ranch. 86% Zinfandel, 8% Grenache and 6% Petite Sirah. Bright purple in color. 15.7% ABV. Brambly black fruits, plums, iron and pepper…

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Bottle Notes, Grenache

2008 Force Majeure CS II Red Blend – 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…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (8/11/14)

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! Clifford Brown reviews the 2008 Turley Zinfandel Cedarman Vineyard. Food & Wine on Why Sommeliers are Drinking White Zinfandel. The Savory writes Could White Zinfandel Actually Be…

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Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

2011 Sojourn Chardonnay Sonoma Coast – Bottle Notes

Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 by Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley. The winery specializes in Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and recently added a Chardonnay to the lineup. Their fruit is sourced from some of California’s finest vineyards. From Sangiacomo and Keller Estate Vineyards. Golden in color. 14.1% ABV. My first try of the inaugural vintage of Sojourn Chardonnay. Beautiful…

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Bottle Notes

2011 Lauren Ashton Cellars Cuvée Arlette – Bottle Notes

Lauren Ashton Cellars was founded in 2009 by Kit Singh. A Dentist by profession, Kit’s passion for wine was fueled by trips to Napa, Sonoma and Europe’s best known wine regions. Kit’s enology background includes classes at UC Davis and Seattle Community College along with an internship at Delille Cellars. The inspiration for the name of the winery was Kit’s…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2009 Rochioli Estate Pinot Noir – 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. Crimson in…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (8/4/14)

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! Toledo Wine and Vines writes Unique Terroir Fuels Paso Robles Zinfandel Excellence. Monique Soltani writes about the ZAP Simply Summer Celebration. The Reverse Wine Snob reviews the…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2010 Turley Zinfandel Old Vines

Turley Wine Cellars was founded in 1993 by Larry Turley and specializes in small lots of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from some of California’s most historic and treasured vineyards. The Old Vines is a blend of 18 vineyards with an average of 80 years old. They hail from Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, Lodi, Contra Costa, Amador, and Paso Robles. Bright purple…

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