Random Musings

The 2020 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings

Welcome to the 7th installment of the Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings. The Power Rankings took a hiatus in 2019 as I did not think the list had changed materially from the 2018 list. The intent behind the list is to rank wineries based on the buzz and excitement they create in the wine collecting crowd. The rankings are entirely subjective…

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Random Musings

The 2018 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings

Welcome to the 6th, annual installment, of the Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings. The intent behind the list is to rank wineries based on the buzz and excitement they create in the wine collecting crowd. The rankings are entirely subjective based on my observations on sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Wine Spectator, WineBerserkers, WineBid and Cellartracker. Factors such as demand for…

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Random Musings

The 2017 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings

Welcome to the 5th, annual installment, of the Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings. The intent behind the list is to rank wineries based on the buzz and excitement they create in the wine collecting crowd. The rankings are entirely subjective based on my observations on sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Wine Spectator, Wine Berserkers, WineBid and Cellartracker. Factors such as demand…

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Random Musings

The 2016 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings

Welcome to the 5th, annual installment, of the Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings. The intent behind the list is to rank wineries based on the buzz and excitement they create in the wine collecting crowd. The rankings are entirely subjective based on my observations on sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Wine Spectator, Wine Berserkers, WineBid and Cellartracker. Factors such as demand…

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Random Musings

The 2015 Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings

Welcome to the 4th, annual installment, of the Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings. The intent behind the list was to rank wineries based on the buzz and excitement they create in the wine collecting crowd. The rankings are entirely subjective based on my observations on sites like Twitter, Facebook, Wine Spectator, Wine Berserkers, WineBid and Cellartracker. Factors such as demand for…

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Random Musings

The Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings

Welcome to the 3rd, annual installment, of the Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings. The intent behind the list was to rank wineries based on the buzz and excitement they create in the wine collecting crowd. The rankings are entirely subjective based on my observations on sites like Twitter, Facebook, Wine Spectator, Wine Berserkers and Cellartracker. I’ve ranked the wineries below and…

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wine cellar
Buying Wine, Random Musings

The Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings Revisited

I published the inaugural version of the Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings last November. My intent was to rank domestic wineries based on buzz, “it” factor, excitement and the intrigue generated among wine collectors and consumers. I’ve ranked the wineries below and indicated whether they’ve moved up the list or down. I’ve also highlighted wineries new to the list and those…

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wine splash
Random Musings

The Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings

As a society we are obsessed with lists. From the Forbes 400 to People Magazine’s Most Beautiful People, to college football’s BCS standings, everything in our pop culture is ranked against its peers. I’ve decided to join the fray with the first edition of my Zinfandel Chronicles Power Rankings. This list will consider domestic wineries and rank them based on…

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Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

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…

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