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…
The Week in Zinfandel (5/25/20)
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. Randy Caparoso writes A History of Lodi Winegrowing, part 3 — 1969, a Year of Big Changes. Matt Kettmann writes The California Iconoclasts Producing Approachable Yet Cellarable Wines.…
2003 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…
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 vineyards on Vine Hill Road. Gold in color.…
2012 Bucklin Ancient Field Blend Old Hill Ranch – Bottle Notes
Bucklin Winery was founded in 2000 by the four Bucklin siblings: Arden, Kate, Ted and Will. Will Bucklin has been a vintner for over 25 years, working in France, Australia, Sonoma, Mendocino and Oregon. Bucklin produces several Zinfandels, a Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and a White Field Blend. Old Hill Ranch is a historic jewel. It was founded by William McPherson…
2009 Saxum Bone Rock 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…
2011 Reynvaan Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon The Classic – Bottle Notes
Reynvaan Family Vineyards is a small family owned winery started by Mike and Gale Reynvaan in May of 2004 in Walla Walla, Washington. They initially purchased a 37 acre parcel of land on Cottonwood Road at the base of the Blue Mountains. Their son Matt is the winemaker and Christophe Baron of Cayuse has served as a consultant. Reynvaan Family…
2004 Domaine du Pégaü Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée – Bottle Notes
The 2004 Domaine du Pegau was the winning bottle in the May Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. I did not decant this wine and paired it with burgers, fries and a chopped salad. Not complicated but it worked brilliantly. The family of Domaine du Pegau has roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape dating back to the mid-17th century. The word Pegau refers…
The Week in Zinfandel (5/18/20)
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. Randy Caparoso writes Thank God for Sister Sera’s Meatballs and the Zesty Uncomplicated Reds we Love to Drink with them. Thomas Pellechia writes The Oldest California Wine Region…
2015 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Limerick Lane 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. Limerick Lane Vineyard is just south of…