I had been waiting for the right occasion to open a Zinfandel from one of my favorite Pinot Noir producers and Independence Day seemed liked the perfect fit. When this wine was produced, it had been more than 30 years since Dehlinger last made a Zinfandel. The fruit for this wine was sourced from the century-old vines of Guadagni Vineyard…
Rochioli Vineyards & Winery 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.
What better way to celebrate Independence Day, the most American of holidays, than with Zinfandel, the most American of wines? France can arguably lay claim to the best Syrah, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay. Germany to the best Riesling. But the USA lays claim to the best Zinfandel!
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.
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?
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.
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.
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…
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.
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…