Bottle Notes, Merlot

2008 Leonetti Merlot – Bottle Notes

Leonetti Cellar was founded in 1977 by Gary and Nancy Figgins. Leonetti, along with Quilceda Creek and Woodward Canyon put premium Washington Cabernet Sauvignon on the radar of wine consumers across the United States. Leonetti also produces one of the very best domestic Merlots. Chris Figgins is now in charge of the winemaking. Dark red in color. 14.3% ABV. 100%…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (6/18/18)

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 writes A Perfect Day in Lodi Wine Country. I Love Wine writes A Brief History of Zinfandel Wine. Isaac Baker reviews the 2015 Chateau Montelena…

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Bottle Notes

2010 Marcel Lapierre Morgon – Bottle Notes

Marcel Lapierre took over the family domaine from his father in 1973. The winery dates back to the early 1900’s. In 1981 Marcel met Jules Chauvet. A winemaker, researcher and chemist, Chavet preached for natural wines and the traditional methods of Beaujolais. Joined by local vignerons Guy Breton, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Jean Foillard, Marcel led a group that soon went to the…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2003 J. Rochioli Pinot Noir East Block 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 recently published a detailed map of…

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Bottle Notes, Petite Sirah

2010 Dehlinger Petite Sirah Guadagni Vineyard – 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. Guadagni Bros. Vineyard is in the Dry Creek Valley and was planted over 100 years…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (6/11/18)

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. Tim McKirdy writes The 5 Best Trader Joe’s Wines According to VinePair Readers. Tim Carl writes Lodi Rising: The Region’s Wines are Taking off and the World is Watching.…

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Bottle Notes

2013 Sandlands Carignane Mendocino County – Bottle Notes

Sandlands is the personal project of Tegan and Olivia Passalacqua. Tegan is the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Turley. The line-up encompasses some of the forgotten classic California varieties, primarily grown in decomposed granite from regions and vineyards that have been farmed for many generations but have remained the outliers of California viticulture. The wines made at Sandlands include Syrah,…

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Bottle Notes, Pinot Noir

2009 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma County – Bottle Notes

Williams Selyem Winery began when Ed Selyem and Burt Williams started making wine as a hobby in 1979 in Forestville, California. Their first commercial release was in 1981, and in less than two decades they created a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Setting a new standard for Pinot Noir winemaking, they put Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley at the forefront…

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Random Musings

The Week in Zinfandel (6/4/18)

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 Why Big Time Producers like Neyers and Ridge are Mining Lodi for Zinfandel. Chris Walker writes Zinfandel: The American Wine. Ken’s Wine Guide reviews the…

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