Wine Review Weekly
December 17, 2007
High season for holiday wine recommendations is here, with Laurie Daniel of the San Jose Mercury News and T. J. Foderaro of the Newark Star-Ledger each offering thoughtful suggestions. In the Sacramento Bee, wine columnist Mike Dunne details many fine wines produced from the Heritage Zinfandel vineyard at the U. C. Davis Oakville Experimental Station. And there are multiple recommendations this week for wines from Dutton Goldfield, Dry Creek Vineyard, Patz & Hall, and Roederer Estate. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana 2004.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Feudo Monaci Primitivo 2005.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley gives a high rating to Dutton Goldfield McDougall Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Villa Russiz Pinot Bianco 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Sebastiani Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Handley Pinot Gris 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on rose Champagnes. Top choice is Francois Hemart Grand Cru Brut Rose NV.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Chianti Classico. Leandro e Gabriella Alessi Cennatoio 2004 is deemed best, while Fiorella Lepri Casa Emma 2004 is cited for value.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on wines from Kapcsandy Family Winery. Highest rated is the State Lane Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on the roaring auction market for wine. Nice mentions for Chateau Lafite, and Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Luna Pinot Grigio 2006, and Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer T. J. Foderaro on wines for holiday entertaining. Nice mentions for Chardonnays from Joel Gott, Chateau St. Jean, and Patz & Hall. Sauvignon Blancs suggested are from Dry Creek Vineyard, Joseph Phelps, and Chateau Canteleys. Red Bordeaux suggested is Chateau Brillette Mouis, while J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot and Dry Creek Vinyeard Cabernet Sauvignon are also recommended. Zinfandels from Dashe, Dry Creek, Ravenswood, Rosenblum and Rubicon Estate all get mentions, as do Pinot Noir wines from Sea Smoke and Sebastiani.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan on sparkling wine. Several mentioned, but recommendation for Iron Horse 'Wedding Cuvee' 2004.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Amarone wines. Highest ratings are given to Tedeschi Valpolicella Classico Amarone 2003, Tenuta Sant'Antonio Selezione Antonio Castagnedi Valpolicella Amarone 2003, Tenuta Sant'Antonio Campo dei Gigli Valpolicella Amarone 2003, and Masi Campolongo di Torbe Valpolicella Classico Amarone 2000.
San Francisco Chronicle: Staff writer Janet Fletcher on preserving leftover wine. Notables Andrew Waterhouse (from U.C. Davis), Ronn Wiegand, Dan Berger and others are quoted.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on the Heritage Zinfandel vineyard of U.C. Davis in Napa Valley. Nice mentions for some of the wines made from the vineyard, including those from Joseph Swan Vineyards, Ridge Vineyards, Turley Wine Cellars, and Dry Creek Vineyard.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on wines for gift giving. Dozens are named by cagtegory. Sparkling choices are from Krug, Dalon, Schramsberg, Mumm Napa, and Roederer Estate. Cabernet Sauvignons favored are from Far Niente, Robert Mondavi, Cosentino, Raymond, Summers, and Concannon. Bordeaux style blends from Joseph Phelps, Beaulieu Vineyard, O'Brien, Dry Creek, Salamandre Cellars, and Hayman & Hill are also recommended. Chardonnays named are from HdV, Chalone, Morgan, J. Lohr, and Clos du Bois. For Pinot Noir, the choices are from Calera, Domaine Alfred, Sea Smoke, Mills Vineyard, Merry Edwards, Foley, Domaine Chandon, and Irony. In the Syrah or Shiaz category, choices include offerings from M. Chapoutier, Yves Cuilleron, Tablas Creek, Falcone Family, Black Ridge Vineyards, Peter Lehmann, and Grant Burge.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on gifts for wine lovers. Mostly racks and gadgets, but nice mentions for Nickel & Nickel, Patz & Hall, and Dutton Goldfield.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines to enjoy with cheese. Nice mentions for Lindauer Brut NV, Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2005, Blackstone Merlot 2005, and Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2002. On another page, tasting notes on Seifred 'Sweet Agnes' Riesling 2006, Royal Tokaji Red Label 5 Puttonyos 2003, Marc Kreydenweiss Kritt Gewurztraminer 2005, Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2006, and Champagne Delamotte Brut NV.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on dry red wines from Portugal. Lots of nice things to say, and highest marks for Quinta do Crasto Old Vines Reserva 2005.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on wines for holiday entertaining. Selected are Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut NV, Sauvignon Republic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006, St. Francis Chardonnay 2005, A to Z Pinot Noir 2006, Hess Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, and Cline 'Ancient Vines' Zinfandel 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine writer Kim Pierce on vin santo wines. Recommended is Baroncini Il Santo.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel on holiday party wines. Suggested are Black Box Pinot Grigio 2006, Brennan Viognier 2006, and The Other 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on gifts for wine lovers. Recommended are Concha y Toro Don Melchor 2003, Vina Almaviva 2003, Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2003, Merry Edwards Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir, Argyle Nuthouse Pinot Noir 2003, Shafer Chardonnay, Sbragia Family Home Ranch Chardonnay, Hess Collection Chardonnay, Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay, and Jacobs Creek Reserve Shiraz.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wine books for gift-giving. Nice mentions for new offerings from Charles O'Rear and Leslie Sbrocco.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on red wines for holiday entertaining. Highest recommendation is for Tapena Carnacha 2005.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines to give the wine lover. Suggested are Bouchard Beaune du Chateau Premier Cru 2005, Riecine Chianti Classico Riserva 2004, J. Christopher Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2006, and Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2000.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana 2004.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Feudo Monaci Primitivo 2005.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley gives a high rating to Dutton Goldfield McDougall Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Villa Russiz Pinot Bianco 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Domaine de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Sebastiani Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Handley Pinot Gris 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on rose Champagnes. Top choice is Francois Hemart Grand Cru Brut Rose NV.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Chianti Classico. Leandro e Gabriella Alessi Cennatoio 2004 is deemed best, while Fiorella Lepri Casa Emma 2004 is cited for value.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on wines from Kapcsandy Family Winery. Highest rated is the State Lane Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on the roaring auction market for wine. Nice mentions for Chateau Lafite, and Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Luna Pinot Grigio 2006, and Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer T. J. Foderaro on wines for holiday entertaining. Nice mentions for Chardonnays from Joel Gott, Chateau St. Jean, and Patz & Hall. Sauvignon Blancs suggested are from Dry Creek Vineyard, Joseph Phelps, and Chateau Canteleys. Red Bordeaux suggested is Chateau Brillette Mouis, while J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot and Dry Creek Vinyeard Cabernet Sauvignon are also recommended. Zinfandels from Dashe, Dry Creek, Ravenswood, Rosenblum and Rubicon Estate all get mentions, as do Pinot Noir wines from Sea Smoke and Sebastiani.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan on sparkling wine. Several mentioned, but recommendation for Iron Horse 'Wedding Cuvee' 2004.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Amarone wines. Highest ratings are given to Tedeschi Valpolicella Classico Amarone 2003, Tenuta Sant'Antonio Selezione Antonio Castagnedi Valpolicella Amarone 2003, Tenuta Sant'Antonio Campo dei Gigli Valpolicella Amarone 2003, and Masi Campolongo di Torbe Valpolicella Classico Amarone 2000.
San Francisco Chronicle: Staff writer Janet Fletcher on preserving leftover wine. Notables Andrew Waterhouse (from U.C. Davis), Ronn Wiegand, Dan Berger and others are quoted.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on the Heritage Zinfandel vineyard of U.C. Davis in Napa Valley. Nice mentions for some of the wines made from the vineyard, including those from Joseph Swan Vineyards, Ridge Vineyards, Turley Wine Cellars, and Dry Creek Vineyard.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on wines for gift giving. Dozens are named by cagtegory. Sparkling choices are from Krug, Dalon, Schramsberg, Mumm Napa, and Roederer Estate. Cabernet Sauvignons favored are from Far Niente, Robert Mondavi, Cosentino, Raymond, Summers, and Concannon. Bordeaux style blends from Joseph Phelps, Beaulieu Vineyard, O'Brien, Dry Creek, Salamandre Cellars, and Hayman & Hill are also recommended. Chardonnays named are from HdV, Chalone, Morgan, J. Lohr, and Clos du Bois. For Pinot Noir, the choices are from Calera, Domaine Alfred, Sea Smoke, Mills Vineyard, Merry Edwards, Foley, Domaine Chandon, and Irony. In the Syrah or Shiaz category, choices include offerings from M. Chapoutier, Yves Cuilleron, Tablas Creek, Falcone Family, Black Ridge Vineyards, Peter Lehmann, and Grant Burge.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on gifts for wine lovers. Mostly racks and gadgets, but nice mentions for Nickel & Nickel, Patz & Hall, and Dutton Goldfield.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines to enjoy with cheese. Nice mentions for Lindauer Brut NV, Mer Soleil Chardonnay 2005, Blackstone Merlot 2005, and Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives 2002. On another page, tasting notes on Seifred 'Sweet Agnes' Riesling 2006, Royal Tokaji Red Label 5 Puttonyos 2003, Marc Kreydenweiss Kritt Gewurztraminer 2005, Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay 2006, and Champagne Delamotte Brut NV.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on dry red wines from Portugal. Lots of nice things to say, and highest marks for Quinta do Crasto Old Vines Reserva 2005.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on wines for holiday entertaining. Selected are Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut NV, Sauvignon Republic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006, St. Francis Chardonnay 2005, A to Z Pinot Noir 2006, Hess Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, and Cline 'Ancient Vines' Zinfandel 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine writer Kim Pierce on vin santo wines. Recommended is Baroncini Il Santo.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel on holiday party wines. Suggested are Black Box Pinot Grigio 2006, Brennan Viognier 2006, and The Other 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on gifts for wine lovers. Recommended are Concha y Toro Don Melchor 2003, Vina Almaviva 2003, Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2003, Merry Edwards Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir, Argyle Nuthouse Pinot Noir 2003, Shafer Chardonnay, Sbragia Family Home Ranch Chardonnay, Hess Collection Chardonnay, Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Chardonnay, and Jacobs Creek Reserve Shiraz.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wine books for gift-giving. Nice mentions for new offerings from Charles O'Rear and Leslie Sbrocco.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on red wines for holiday entertaining. Highest recommendation is for Tapena Carnacha 2005.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines to give the wine lover. Suggested are Bouchard Beaune du Chateau Premier Cru 2005, Riecine Chianti Classico Riserva 2004, J. Christopher Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2006, and Taylor Fladgate Late Bottled Vintage Port 2000.
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