Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2005 Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – Bottle Notes

Williams Selyem Winery began when Ed Selyem and Burt Williams started making wine as a hobby in 1979 in Forestville, California. Their first commercial release was in 1981, and in less than two decades they created a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Setting a new standard for Pinot Noir winemaking, they put Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley at the forefront…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2007 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. I’ve blogged about Rochioli previously in Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and the Fab 5 of Mailing Lists. Rochioli recently published a…

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2010 Sojourn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2010 Sojourn Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – 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. Magenta in color. 14.2% ABV. Wohler Vineyard Pinot Noir clone 828 forms the foundation of the wine. Cherries, cola and tea on…

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russian river valley grapes
Random Musings

Reflections on Two Days in the Russian River Valley

I first started visiting the Russian River Valley when I moved to Sacramento in the early 1990’s, and have developed an absolute affinity for the beauty of the area that is best experienced through a slow drive along Westside Road. Here, there’s a good chance you can stop in at a world class winery like Rochioli and have the tasting…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2006 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. I’ve blogged about Rochioli previously in Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and the Fab 5 of Mailing Lists. Rochioli recently published a…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2006 Carlisle Zinfandel Pietro’s Ranch – BottleNotes

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. This particular vineyard was planted in 1905 by Italo Barbieri for his brother Pietro. From a small village in Tuscany, Italo was responsible for planting many of the vineyards in the Piner/Olivet region…

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2002 Rochioli Little Hill Pinot Noir
Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2002 Rochioli Pinot Noir Little Hill 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. Although best known for their world class Pinot Noir, Rochioli also produces remarkable Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. I’ve blogged about Rochioli previously in Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings and the Fab 5 of Mailing Lists. Little Hill Vineyard is…

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2004 Dehlinger Goldridge Vineyard Pinot Noir
Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2004 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Goldridge Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Dehlinger Winery is located in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County and was founded in 1975 by Tom and Carole Dehlinger. Eva Dehlinger took over winemaking duties in 2007. Known for their Pinot Noir, Dehlinger also makes Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Goldridge Vineyard Pinot Noir is sourced from sections of the Estate Vineyard where the vines are…

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