Alberto Rafanelli, an Italian immigrant, first founded A. Rafanelli Winery in the early 1900’s. It wasn’t until the early 70’s that Alberto’s son, Americo, came out with the present day label and started selling the wine commercially. David and Patty Rafanelli now run the winery and a 4th generation Rafanelli, their daughter Shelly, is the winemaker. The winery is perhaps…
The 2001 Léoville Barton was the winning bottle in the September Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. Votes were cast on the blog, Instagram and Twitter. The wine was decanted for almost 2 hours. The Barton family, the current owners of the estate, trace their Bordeaux roots all the way back to 1722. Léoville Barton, a 2nd Growth, is now…
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. Michelle Anna Jordan writes This Zin is Easy to Pair with Fall Foods. Reverse Wine Snob writes Pedroncelli Mother Clone Zinfandel – Hit the Mother Lode. Ken’s Wine…
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…
The history of Marietta Cellars goes back almost 40 years. It is a true American success story that merits the attention of every red wine drinker who wants to drink exceptional wines at fair prices. Marietta Cellars was founded by Chris Bilbro in 1978. In recent years Chris’s son, Scot, has taken over most of the responsibilities. Scot’s brother Jake is…
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 and Field Blends, Morgan is clearly passionate about. The Schmeidt Road Zinfandel…
The September Installment of Pick My Next Bottle focuses on 2001 Bordeaux from some of my favorite producers. 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 next weekend and a Bottle Note will be published…
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. Leonetti is part of Figgins Family Wine Estates. Chris Figgins is now in charge of the…
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 Visiting Sommeliers Experience Lodi’s Unique diversity and Share Thoughts on how to get the Word Out. Wine Enthusiast writes Wine Region of the Year: Sonoma…
I recently saw a tweet from Jeb Dunnuck that referenced the 2017 vintage as being a tough year for Zinfandel. I’m mostly predisposed to disagree with these generalizations when it comes to grapes like Zinfandel or Pinot Noir because they can be grown so far afield. How is it possible that growing conditions were difficult in Sonoma, Napa, Contra Costa,…