Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

2005 Domaine Pierre Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de mon Aïeul – Bottle Notes

Pierre Usseglio, not to be confused with Raymond Usseglio (a different winery owned by his brother) was founded in 1948 by Francis Usseglio. Francis moved to the Rhone from Italy in 1931. Francis had two sons, Pierre and Raymond. Pierre took over this domaine and his brother Raymond created his own winery using his name which is how you have…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Dupratt 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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Bottle Notes

2009 Saxum James Berry Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Saxum Vineyards is located in the Paso Robles AVA of Central California. Founded in the early 2000’s by Justin Smith, a young winemaker who had previously been part-owner of Linne Calodo, Saxum leapt into the limelight in late 2010 when its 2007 James Berry Vineyards wine was named the #1 Wine of 2010 by Wine Spectator. Smith owns the winery…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (8/26/19)

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 A Grape Visual of Why Lodi Grows What it Grows, and its Impact on Wine Variations. Dallas Wine Chick writes Sonoma: A Day of Diversity…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2007 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Estate – 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, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. Crimson in color. 14.9% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, cloves, cola and baking spices.…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2015 Brown Estate Zinfandel – Bottle Notes

In 1980, The Brown Family acquired land in the hills east of Rutherford in the Napa Valley. In 1995 they decided to make wine under their own label. The following year the first vintage of Zinfandel was produced and subsequently they have added Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Sirah to their lineup. First and foremost, Brown Estate is…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (8/19/19)

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 Where to Find Some of the Marked Heritage Vineyards of Lodi. Julie Pedroncelli writes Finding Zinfandel’s Place. California Wine & Wineries reviews the 2013 Jessie’s…

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Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

1998 Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Bottle Notes

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the Rhone Valley, was founded in 1898 by Hippolyte Brunier. Located on the highest terrace of the appellation, the domaine was named for an 18th century telegraph relay tower located nearby. Today the 173-acre domaine is run by Daniel and Frederic Brunier, the great grandsons of the founder. Vieux Télégraphe is one of…

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Bottle Notes

2017 Syncline Winery Cinsault Mckinley Springs Vineyard

Syncline Winery was founded in 1999 by James and Poppie Mantone. Syncline’s first vintage in 1999, consisted of 76 cases of Celilo Vineyards Pinot Noir from vines planted in 1973. The next year, production was increased to include Columbia Valley Syrah and Grenache. At the same time they began working with vineyards to plant Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise and Carignan.They have kept…

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