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. Happy reading!
2015 J. Rochioli Chardonnay Sweetwater Vineyard – 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. In 1987 Rochioli released their first estate wine, the 1985 Rochioli Pinot Noir. Although best known for their world class Pinot Noir, Rochioli also produces remarkable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery has published a detailed map of…
1997 Fontodi Flaccianello della Pieve Toscana – Bottle Notes
The Manetti family, which has run the Fontodi winery since 1968, is a true champion of sangiovese. The 200 acre estate is situated in the “golden basin” known as Conca d’Ora, south of Panzano in Chianti Classico. Their flagship called Flaccianello has been produced since 1981 and is from the estates very best vineyard. Amongst other wines, Fontodi also produces…
2014 Thomas Pinot Noir Dundee Hills – Bottle Notes
One of the most collectible Pinot Noirs made in all of Oregon is from a winery you’ve probably never heard of: Thomas Winery. Located in Carlton, Oregon, winemaker John Thomas has been releasing small amounts of wine from the Thomas Vineyard since 1988. I don’t recall ever seeing ratings from the Wine Advocate or the Wine Spectator, and I don’t think…
2018 Aston Estate Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – Bottle Notes
Aston Estate was founded in 2001 by Fred Schrader, founder of Schrader Cellars, Chuck Sweeney, co-founder of Vine Cliff and Thomas Rivers-Brown. Several years ago TRB bought out the other two founders and became the sole owner. Aston Estate is located near the remote township of Annapolis, approximately five miles from the coast. I was on the mailing list early…
The Week in Zinfandel (11/13/23)
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. Happy reading!
2018 Bedrock Wine Co. Lorenzo’s Heritage – 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 passionate about. Lorenzo’s Heritage comes from Teldeschi Ranch in…
Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot #74 – Bottle Notes
The history of Marietta Cellars goes over 40 years. It is a true American success story that merits the attention of every red wine drinker who wants to drink exceptional wines at fair prices. Marietta Cellars was founded by Chris Bilbro in 1978. After Chris passed away his son Scot took over most of the responsibilities of running the winery. Old…
2021 Sandlands Zinfandel – Bottle Notes
Sandlands is the personal project of Tegan and Olivia Passalacqua. Tegan is the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Turley. The line-up encompasses some of the forgotten classic California varieties, primarily grown in decomposed granite from regions and vineyards that have been farmed for many generations but have remained the outliers of California viticulture. The wines made at Sandlands include Syrah,…
2006 Isabel Ferrando Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis – Bottle Notes
Domaine Isabel Ferrando is owned by Isabel Ferrando who created the estate when she purchased 3.9 hectares of vines. The goal was to create a wine that was distinct from Domaine Saint Prefert, her other Southern Rhone winery. The wine is 100% old vine Grenache made from grapes ranging from 65-100 years of age. 2004 was the debut vintage. Dark…