Wine Review Weekly
July 30, 2007
The Los Angeles Times offers three features focusing on unusual white wines from around the globe. Rose wines grab the spotlight, with multiple mentions for Chateau d'Aqueria and Gran Feudo. And guest writer Michael Apstein, in the San Francisco Chronicle, offers an inside look at the difficulties of many vintners in Bordeaux. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Napa Ridge Chardonnay 2005.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Eric Louis La Cote Blance Sancerre 2005.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Heartland 'Stickleback White' 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford chooses Gran Feudo Rosado 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Kozlovic Malvazija 2005, Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Vielles Vignes 2005, and Quinto de Couselo Turonia Albarino 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Alice White Lexia 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Climbing Orange Chardonnay 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Livio Felluga Colli Orientali del Friuli Pinot Grigio 2005.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the 2005 vintage wines from the Macon. Top selction (and best value) is Domaine Fichet Macon-Ige Chateau London 2005.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on the wines of the Savennieres region of the Loire Valley. Top pick is Nicolas Joly Clos de la Coulee de Serrant 2002, while best value is Damien Laureau 'Les Genets' 2002.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on white wines from Spain. Top scores go to Lusco do Mino Albarino 2005, and Bodegas Naia Naiades 2005.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on wine in the movies. Focus on the the 'Ratatouille' Chardonnay at Costco, licensed from Disney.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti on Medolla Vineyards on Long Island and their 2002 Merlot. Also, recommendations of Chateau d'Aqueria Tavel Rose 2006, Langlois-Chateau Cabernet de Saumur 'La Bretonnier' 2006, Louis Jadot Rose 2006, Torre de Casta Rose 2006, Chapoutier Belleruche Blanc 2005, Nobilissima Pinot Grigio 2006, Kim Crawford Chardonnay 2006, DeLoach Chardonnay 2006, Hess Collection Monterey Chardonnay 2006, and Quady Electra 2006.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Chateau d'Aqueria Tavel Rose 2006, Irony Pinot Noir 2005, and 337 Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on inexpensive Chardonnay. Cited are Cono Sur Valle Central 2006, Delphine de Margon Vinde Pays des Cotes de Thongue 2006, Domaine de Terres Dorees Beaujolais Blanc 2005, Fleur du Cap South Africa Chardonnay 2006, and Four Vines Santa Barbara County 'Naked Chardonnay' 2005.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan on Pinot Blanc. Recommended is Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle panel reviews Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Alexander Valley. Highest rating for Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
San Francisco Chronicle: Guest writer Michael Apstein on the haves and have-nots of Bordeaux.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on a vertical tasting of Dom Perignon.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on wine marketing innovations. Focus on Scott Harvey wines.
San Jose Mercury News: Laurie Daniel on Pinot Noir wines from the Santa Lucia region. Nice comments on Pelerin Rosella's Vineyard 2005, Tudor 2005, Puma Road 2005, Lucia Gary's Vineyard 2005, Loring Gary's Vineyard 2005, Morgan Double L Vineyard 2005, and La Rochelle Santa Lucia Highlands 2005. Also, recommendations for Mer Soleil Silver 2006, Morgan Pinot Gris 2006, Morgan 'Tierra Mar' Syrah 2004, Manzoni Estate Paraiso Vineyard Syrah 2005, and Novy Family Gary's Vineyard Syrah 2005.
Los Angeles Times: Guest writer Patrick Comiskey on aromatic white wines. Mentions for Gaston 2005, Domaine de Closel Savennieres, Gewurztraminers from Londer and Navarro, Dirler-Cade Muscat, Bonny Doon Ca' del Solo Malvasia, Susana Balbo Torrontes, Cold Heaven Cellars Viognier, Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas, and more.
Los Angeles Times: Staff writer Corrie Brown on new white wines from the Central Coast of California. Focus is on vintner John Niven and wines such as Gruner Veltliner and Albarino.
Los Angeles Times: Guest writer Regina Schrambling on the Picpoul de Pinet wines of the Languedoc region of France. Highest praise for those from Chateau de Pinet, and Domaine Gaujal de Saint Bon.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on the benefits of decanting wine.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines to pair with burgers. On another page, notes on El Coto Rioja Crianza 2003, Etude Carneros Pinot Noir 2005 (or 2006), Les Jamelles Vin de Pays d'Oc Pinot Noir 2005, Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages 2005 (or 2006), and Wild Horse Central Coast Chardonnay 2005.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford profiles Castello di Monastero in Tuscany, and its wines. On another page, praise for ColdiSole Rosso di Montalcino 2004, and ColdiSole Brunello di Montalcino 2001.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Nice mentions of Vilafonte 'M' and Castello Banfi Rosa Regale.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell reports from the Aspen Classic on sipping choices of the culinary stars. Nice mentions for Bastianich Pinot Grigio, and Flowers Pinot Noir.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel on rose wines for summer enjoyment. The winners are from Chateau Ste. Michelle, Robert Hall, Folie a Deux, Perrin, Montesquieu, Monte Volpe, Domaine de Nizas, Gran Feudo, Langlois-Chateau, and Eric Louis.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Jennifer Rosen on the trend toward higher alcohol wines. Recommended this week are McManis Pinot Grigio 2006, Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintners Reserve 2006, Shooting Star Aligote Washington 2006, Clos du Val Napa Chardonnay 2005, Kenwood Red Table Wine 2004, Heron Merlot 2004, Lolonis Ladybug Red Cuvee VI, and Woodward Graff Cabernet Sauvignon A-Frame Vineyard 2003.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on wines of Washington State. Case in point is Snoqualmie Vineyards, with recommendations for the 2004 Syrah, 2006 Chardonnay, and Winemaker's Select Riesling.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on recently tasted wines, including Gloria Ferrer Carneros Cuvee 1997, Gainey Vineyard Merlot 2004, Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc Reserve 2005, Valentin Bianchi 'Elsa' Malbec 2006, Torres Casta Rose 2006, and Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2006.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Chardonnay wines from Washington State. Top pick is Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2004.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on a tasting of wines by Chicago sommeliers. Best comments for Stag's Leap Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, and Williams Selyem Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir 2005.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines perfect with grilled food. Examples are Schloss Vollrads Rheingau Kabinett 2005, and Silvano Strologo Rosso Conero 'Julius' 2005.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Napa Ridge Chardonnay 2005.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Eric Louis La Cote Blance Sancerre 2005.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Heartland 'Stickleback White' 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford chooses Gran Feudo Rosado 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Kozlovic Malvazija 2005, Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Vielles Vignes 2005, and Quinto de Couselo Turonia Albarino 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Alice White Lexia 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Climbing Orange Chardonnay 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Livio Felluga Colli Orientali del Friuli Pinot Grigio 2005.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the 2005 vintage wines from the Macon. Top selction (and best value) is Domaine Fichet Macon-Ige Chateau London 2005.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on the wines of the Savennieres region of the Loire Valley. Top pick is Nicolas Joly Clos de la Coulee de Serrant 2002, while best value is Damien Laureau 'Les Genets' 2002.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on white wines from Spain. Top scores go to Lusco do Mino Albarino 2005, and Bodegas Naia Naiades 2005.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on wine in the movies. Focus on the the 'Ratatouille' Chardonnay at Costco, licensed from Disney.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti on Medolla Vineyards on Long Island and their 2002 Merlot. Also, recommendations of Chateau d'Aqueria Tavel Rose 2006, Langlois-Chateau Cabernet de Saumur 'La Bretonnier' 2006, Louis Jadot Rose 2006, Torre de Casta Rose 2006, Chapoutier Belleruche Blanc 2005, Nobilissima Pinot Grigio 2006, Kim Crawford Chardonnay 2006, DeLoach Chardonnay 2006, Hess Collection Monterey Chardonnay 2006, and Quady Electra 2006.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Chateau d'Aqueria Tavel Rose 2006, Irony Pinot Noir 2005, and 337 Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on inexpensive Chardonnay. Cited are Cono Sur Valle Central 2006, Delphine de Margon Vinde Pays des Cotes de Thongue 2006, Domaine de Terres Dorees Beaujolais Blanc 2005, Fleur du Cap South Africa Chardonnay 2006, and Four Vines Santa Barbara County 'Naked Chardonnay' 2005.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan on Pinot Blanc. Recommended is Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle panel reviews Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Alexander Valley. Highest rating for Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
San Francisco Chronicle: Guest writer Michael Apstein on the haves and have-nots of Bordeaux.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on a vertical tasting of Dom Perignon.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on wine marketing innovations. Focus on Scott Harvey wines.
San Jose Mercury News: Laurie Daniel on Pinot Noir wines from the Santa Lucia region. Nice comments on Pelerin Rosella's Vineyard 2005, Tudor 2005, Puma Road 2005, Lucia Gary's Vineyard 2005, Loring Gary's Vineyard 2005, Morgan Double L Vineyard 2005, and La Rochelle Santa Lucia Highlands 2005. Also, recommendations for Mer Soleil Silver 2006, Morgan Pinot Gris 2006, Morgan 'Tierra Mar' Syrah 2004, Manzoni Estate Paraiso Vineyard Syrah 2005, and Novy Family Gary's Vineyard Syrah 2005.
Los Angeles Times: Guest writer Patrick Comiskey on aromatic white wines. Mentions for Gaston 2005, Domaine de Closel Savennieres, Gewurztraminers from Londer and Navarro, Dirler-Cade Muscat, Bonny Doon Ca' del Solo Malvasia, Susana Balbo Torrontes, Cold Heaven Cellars Viognier, Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas, and more.
Los Angeles Times: Staff writer Corrie Brown on new white wines from the Central Coast of California. Focus is on vintner John Niven and wines such as Gruner Veltliner and Albarino.
Los Angeles Times: Guest writer Regina Schrambling on the Picpoul de Pinet wines of the Languedoc region of France. Highest praise for those from Chateau de Pinet, and Domaine Gaujal de Saint Bon.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on the benefits of decanting wine.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines to pair with burgers. On another page, notes on El Coto Rioja Crianza 2003, Etude Carneros Pinot Noir 2005 (or 2006), Les Jamelles Vin de Pays d'Oc Pinot Noir 2005, Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages 2005 (or 2006), and Wild Horse Central Coast Chardonnay 2005.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford profiles Castello di Monastero in Tuscany, and its wines. On another page, praise for ColdiSole Rosso di Montalcino 2004, and ColdiSole Brunello di Montalcino 2001.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. Nice mentions of Vilafonte 'M' and Castello Banfi Rosa Regale.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell reports from the Aspen Classic on sipping choices of the culinary stars. Nice mentions for Bastianich Pinot Grigio, and Flowers Pinot Noir.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel on rose wines for summer enjoyment. The winners are from Chateau Ste. Michelle, Robert Hall, Folie a Deux, Perrin, Montesquieu, Monte Volpe, Domaine de Nizas, Gran Feudo, Langlois-Chateau, and Eric Louis.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Jennifer Rosen on the trend toward higher alcohol wines. Recommended this week are McManis Pinot Grigio 2006, Kendall-Jackson Sauvignon Blanc Vintners Reserve 2006, Shooting Star Aligote Washington 2006, Clos du Val Napa Chardonnay 2005, Kenwood Red Table Wine 2004, Heron Merlot 2004, Lolonis Ladybug Red Cuvee VI, and Woodward Graff Cabernet Sauvignon A-Frame Vineyard 2003.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on wines of Washington State. Case in point is Snoqualmie Vineyards, with recommendations for the 2004 Syrah, 2006 Chardonnay, and Winemaker's Select Riesling.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on recently tasted wines, including Gloria Ferrer Carneros Cuvee 1997, Gainey Vineyard Merlot 2004, Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc Reserve 2005, Valentin Bianchi 'Elsa' Malbec 2006, Torres Casta Rose 2006, and Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2006.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Chardonnay wines from Washington State. Top pick is Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2004.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on a tasting of wines by Chicago sommeliers. Best comments for Stag's Leap Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, and Williams Selyem Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir 2005.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines perfect with grilled food. Examples are Schloss Vollrads Rheingau Kabinett 2005, and Silvano Strologo Rosso Conero 'Julius' 2005.
SHARE »