The 2005 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape produced rich wines with powerful flavors and extreme structure. The ’05 Domaine Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée La Cote Ronde is from a parcel of 90 year old vines and is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Muscardin.
Forgive Me Bacchus For I Have Sold Some Wine
Many fellow collectors express shock when I tell them I have sold some of my wine before: “I would never sell my wine!” This reaction always puzzles me. Most people have no problem selling stocks, personal belongings, cars, etc. Why would selling wine be any different?
2005 Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel – Bottle Notes
When I first became interested in Zinfandel the buzz was always around the Three R’s of Zinfandel: Ravenswood, Rosenblum and Ridge. 20 years later Ridge is still at the top of its game, turning out single vineyard Zinfandel from some of California’s most precious vineyards.
2011 Bedrock Casa Santinamaria White Wine – Bottle Notes
Bedrock Wine Co. was founded by Morgan Twain-Peterson in 2007 and focuses on small production wines from some of California’ s most treasured and historic vineyards.
2006 Betz Family Syrah 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. Although the winery was recently sold to Steve and Bridget Griessel (with Bob Betz remaining on as the Winemaker) I expect quality will…
Total Wine Opens a Local Store: Good or Bad?
I’ve had more than a few people tell me they will not shop at the new Total Wine that is opening in Bellevue next week. They want to exclusively support the local mom and pop wine shop.
Confessions of a Mailing List Addict
Conventional wisdom among wine consumers: as you mature in your wine buying habit, you gravitate from new world wines (and thus mailing lists) to the subtleties of fine Burgundy. While I do love a great Burgundy… I still get excited when a mailer arrives in my inbox. I’ve been at this for about 20 years now, and buy from more…
2005 Dehlinger Estate Pinot Noir – Bottle Notes
Dehlinger is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by current owner/winemaker Tom Dehlinger. Although they are known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
1997 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon – Bottle Notes
Spottswoode made their first Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1982 vintage and is one of the true iconic Cabernet producers in Napa Valley. The Estate Vineyard and winery are located in St. Helena. They also make an exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, a 2nd Cabernet called Lydenhurst and a Rhone blend known as Field Book.
1996 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red – Bottle Notes
Pahlmeyer made its debut release with the 1986 vintage garnering a 94 point rating from Robert Parker and has never looked back. Former winemaker Helen Turley, who made this wine, began her 5-year stint at Pahlmeyer in 1993.