Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

2010 J. Rochioli Chardonnay Rachel’s 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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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (2/10/20)

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. Zap Wine Blog writes Legends of Paso Robles. Reverse Wine Snob reviews the 2017 Kirkland Signature Zinfandel Old Vine Sonoma County. Values Uncorked writes Good Value Wines at…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2011 Ridge Lytton Springs – Bottle Notes

Ridge Vineyards was founded in 1959 when three Stanford Research Institute engineers bought an abandoned winery in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyards had been planted in the late 19th century by a San Francisco physician who produced his first vintage in the original winery, called Monte Bello, in 1892. The first Ridge vintage was in 1962. Paul Draper recently…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2017 Homefire Cellars Zinfandel Firework Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Homefire Cellars was founded by Mike Sterling in 2002. Located in Healdsburg, Homefire is dedicated to making delicious Zinfandel. Mike also happens to be the winemaker. The lineup at Homefire includes several single vineyards Zinfandels. Firework Vineyard is in the Dry Creek Valley AVA. Purple in color. 15.9% ABV. 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah. Brambly nose of red fruits,…

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Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

2006 Switchback Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon – Bottle Notes

Switchback Ridge wines are sourced from the Peterson Family Vineyard. The property, located just off the Silverado Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga has been in the Peterson Family since 1914 and was replanted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah in 1990. Kelly Peterson along with her father John founded Switchback Ridge in 1999. She is responsible for all aspects…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2015 Bedrock Wine Co. Heritage Wine Evangelho Vineyard – 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. Evangelho Vineyard is in Contra Costa County,…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2016 Rivers-Marie Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – Bottle Notes

Thomas Rivers Brown and his wife Genevieve Marie Walsh have quickly made Rivers-Marie one of California’s most sought after Pinot Noir labels. The winery was founded in 2002 and the first release was the Rivers-Marie Summa Vineyard Pinot Noir. In addition to the line up of Single Vineyard Pinot Noirs, Rivers-Marie also makes a few single vineyard Cabernets and Chardonnay.…

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Bottle Notes, Cabernet Sauvignon

1994 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon – Bottle Notes

Quilceda Creek Vintners was founded in 1978 by Alex and Jeanette Golitzin. Alex Golitzin is a nephew of André Tchelistcheff, the legendary winemaker who put Beaulieu Vineyard at the forefront of Napa Valley Cabernet in the 1960s and 70s. He credits summer trips to visit his uncle in St. Helena, California with developing his early interest in wine. Alex’s son,…

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