Paolo di Marchi has run Isole e Olena since the age of 20. Paolo avoids the Cabernet Sauvignon many of his neighbors have begun to incorporate into their Chiantis, believing it overshadows the Sangiovese. The flagship wine at Isole e Olena is Cepparello, a barrique-aged Sangiovese classified as an IGT – because at the time of its creation in the…
Author: Tom Lee
The Week in Zinfandel (12/19/16)
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. Cheers! Orange County Register writes Our Picks for California’s Top 25 Wines. The Mercury News writes Winery Adventure: Saratoga’s Wine Row. Ridge Wine Blog writes The Third Course…
2005 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon – Bottle Notes
Pride Mountain Vineyards was founded in 1991 by Jim and Carolyn Pride on a site once known as Summit Winery. Jim Pride died in 2004, but the Pride children, Steve Pride and Suzanne Pride Bryan, now own and run the winery. Sally Johnson is the Winemaker. The property consists of 235 acres, 183 of which are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon,…
2008 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Central Coast – 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…
2010 ACORN Zinfandel Heritage Vines Alegría Vineyards – Bottle Notes
Bill and Betsy Nachbaur purchased Alegria Vineyard in 1990. Situated in the Russian River Valley, Alegría Vineyards has 26 acres planted with Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Petite Sirah, Alicante Bouschet, and many lesser-known varieties. The oldest part of the vineyard dates back to the 1890’s. For the first many years Bill farmed the vineyard and the grapes were…
The Week in Zinfandel (12/12/16)
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. Cheers! Reverse Wine Snob writes Best Red Wines Under $20. Bohemian.com writes Dirt Farmer. Sip on this Juice writes 2016 Holiday Wine Gift Guide – Sip Sonoma County.…
2010 J. Rochioli Sauvignon Blanc Old Vines – 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…
2008 Turley Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard – Bottle Notes
Turley Wine Cellars was founded in 1993 by Larry Turley and specializes in small lots of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from some of California’s most historic and treasured vineyards. Turley now makes 28 separate wines from 35 different vineyards, some with vines that date back to the late 1800’s. Tegan Passalacqua is the Director of Winemaking at Turley and has been…
2006 Carlisle Syrah James Berry 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 . They have also recently added their first whites, two blends from historic, old-vine vineyards plus Sonoma…
The Week in Zinfandel (12/5/16)
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. Cheers! Cliff’s Wine Picks reviews the 2012 Carlisle Zinfandel Kirschenmann Vineyard. Tales of the Cork writes Old Fig Wine Cellars: A Central Valley Urban Dream. Vino Sphere reviews…