Random Musings

Top 10 Zinfandels Tasted in 2018

It is the time of the year where every wine blogger publishes their lists of Wines of the Year or Values of the Year, etc. Although I try to blog about all the wines I taste it is clear that Zinfandel is definitely my grape of choice. With that in mind here are my top 10 Zinfandels of 2018 and…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (11/19/18)

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. ENOFYLZ Wine Blog reviews the 2014 Ridge Vinyards Jimsomare Zinfandel. Gus Clemens reviews the 2015 Ravenswood Zinfandel Old Hill Vineyard. Randy Caparoso writes The Wine Spectator Gives Credence to…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

National Zinfandel Day! – 2010 A. Rafanelli Zinfandel – Bottle Notes

Alberto Rafanelli, an Italian immigrant, first founded A. Rafanelli Winery in the early 1900’s. It wasn’t until the early 70’s that Alberto’s son, Americo, came out with the present day label and started selling the wine commercially. David and Patty Rafanelli now run the winery and a 4th generation Rafanelli, their daughter Shelly, is the winemaker. The winery is perhaps…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (11/12/18)

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. Randy Caparoso writes Maître de Chai Finds “New California” Wine in Lodi’s Clements Hills. Wine Folly writes 20 Fantastic Thanksgiving Wines (2018 Edition). Eric Asimov writes Thanksgiving Wines: A…

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Random Musings

All Roads Do Not Lead to Burgundy

There is an expression among us wine collectors that goes “all roads lead to Burgundy.” The saying is based around the conventional wisdom that as collectors mature and their palates mature they transition from flashy, fruit forward wines like Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir and Old Vine Zinfandel to the complex, thought provoking Chardonnay and Pinot…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (11/5/18)

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. Randy Caparoso writes The Burlington Chandler Reds of Longtime Lodi Natives Mark and Jan Burlington Chandler. Eric Asimov writes Even Bad Jokes can Make Good Thanksgiving Wines. Mike Dunne…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2011 Carlisle Zinfandel Carlisle Vineyard – 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. Many of these vineyards are heritage sites planted by Italian immigrants and date back to the late 1800s . Expect to see a Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Montecillo Vinyard and a Russian River…

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