Random Musings

A Visit to Limerick Lane

Limerick Lane Winery is in the Russian River Valley just south of the town of Healdsburg.The Del Fava family planted the oldest currently producing vineyard at Limerick Lane in 1910, a field blend consisting mostly of Zinfandel. In 1977, the Del Favas sold their thirty acre property to brothers Michael and Tom Collins. The two brothers began by selling some…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (10/22/18)

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. Ken’s Wine Guide reviews the 2015 Federalist Zinfandel. Wine Enthusiast writes Your Guide to Drinking Wine Through the Zombie Apocalypse. VinePair writes Killer Boo-Quet: 10 American Wineries with Haunted…

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Bordeaux, Bottle Notes

2003 Troplong Mondot – Bottle Notes

The 2003 Troplong Mondot was the winning bottle in the October Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The wine was decanted for an hour and served with Lamb and pine nut sausages. Chateau Troplong-Mondot was elevated to one of the Premier Grand Crus of the St.-Emilion appellation in 2006. With almost 70 acres, the estate is one of the largest…

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Bottle Notes, Zinfandel

2013 Ravenswood Zinfandel Old Hill Ranch Vineyard – Bottle Notes

Ravenswood was founded in 1976 by Joel Peterson. The winery is a pioneer in producing single vineyard Zinfandels from some of Napa and Sonoma’s most treasured vineyards, including Dickerson, Old Hill, Cooke and Belloni. I used to visit Ravenswood in the summer, when they released their single vineyard wines. Back in the day they also served delicious barbecue on the deck out…

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Cellar Management

Pick My Next Bottle – 2003 Bordeaux

The October Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 2003 Bordeaux. As I mentioned in the first installment, the purpose of this series is to provide insight into specific wines or producers you may currently have in your cellar. The winning bottle will be opened this Friday and a Bottle Note will be published early next week. We all…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (10/15/18)

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. Ken’s Wine Guide reviews the 2015 Motto Zinfandel Unabashed. Randy Caparoso writes The Nitty-Gritty on Lodi’s Seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The Winestalker reviews the 2016 High Valley Vineyard…

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Bottle Notes, Chardonnay

2011 Dehlinger Chardonnay – 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. Dehlinger Chardonnay is sourced from the estate vineyard on Vine Hill Road. Bright gold in…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2012 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir Estate – 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 recently published a detailed map of…

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Bottle Notes, Syrah

2008 Lillian Syrah – Bottle Notes

Maggie Harrison was assistant winemaker to Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non for eight years before moving to Oregon to take over the wine making position at Antica Terra. Lillian Winery, founded in 2004, represents Maggie’s personal project and reflects everything that she learned during her time at Sine Qua Non. The fruit for the Lillian Syrah comes from the…

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