Wine Review Weekly
December 31, 2007
This week, it's all about sparking wine. Biggest surprise is the number of mentions and favor shown to Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace. Segura Viudas most often gets the nod for Cava, while Roederer Estate leads California recommendations (followed closely by Schramsberg). And no single major Champagne house rises to the top, with Veuve Clicquot hardly mentioned at all this year. Whatever fills your glass on New Year's Eve, may your New Year be bright and joyous. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Lindeman's Bin 75 Riesling 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Vin Hunter Blanc de Noir 2004.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Pol Roger Brut 1998.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Marisa Cuomo Costa d'Amalfi Furore Riserva 2003.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Menguante Carinena Garnacha 2005.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on Pinot Gris wines from Oregon. Highest rated (and best value) is the Adelsheim Pinot Gris 2006.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on their top wine choices of the year. Rated highest is Penfolds Grange 2001. Of more than a dozen others getting 'Delicious' ratings are two under $20 - Bernardus Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2005, and Michael David Winery Incognito Viognier 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends sparkling wines. Proseccos from Riondo, Bisol, Mionetto, Zardetto, Nin Franco, and Zonin are cited. Also listed are Banfi Rosa Regale 2006, Cascinetta Bietti Moscato d'Asti 2006, Bartenura Moscato, and Rashi Moscato d'Asti. Cremant d'Alsace wines recommended are from Lucien Albrecht and Pierre Sparr. Cavas from Segura Viudas, Cordoniu, and Freixenet are recommended, as are Australian sparkling wines from Wolf Blass, Wyndham Estate, and Peter Rumball.
New York Sun: Wine columnist Peter Hellman on making cocktails with Champagne. Expert Jonathan Pogash explains all.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Laely Heron 'Sexto' 2005, Ray's Station Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, and Ajello 'Majust' Bianca 2006.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on bargain sparkling wines. Recommended are Michel Olivier Cremant de Limoux Blanc de Blancs 2003, Segura Viudas 'Aria' Cava, Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva, Rotari 'Talento' Trento, and Dom Beritol Prosecco di Conegliano.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews all of their top rankings from tastings in 2007. The only perfect (four stars) rating of the year belongs to Dominus Napa Valley Red Wine 2004. Which is nice.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on vertical tastings of Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau d'Yquem.
San Francisco Chronicle: Contributor W. Blake Gray on inexpensive American wines. Included are Charles Shaw Shiraz 2006, Columbia Crest Grand Estates Shiraz 2003, Columbia Crest 'Two Vines' Gewurztraminer 2006, Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Dry Creek Vineyard Clarksburg Dry Chenin Blanc 2006, Edna Valley Vineyard Chardonnay 2006, Frontier Red Lot No. 71, Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Hangtown Red Lot 35, Korbel Brut Rose, McManis Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2006, McManis Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2006, Napa Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc 2006, and Sobon Estate Zinfandel 2006.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on top wine events of 2007. Top ten wines listed are from Travaglini, Merry Edwards, MacPhail Family Wines, Louis M. Martini, Grant Burge Wines, Forefathers, Foley Estates, Easton Wines, Chasing Venus, and Charles Krug.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on sparkling wines in many categories. Inexpensive choices are from Gloria Ferrier, Mumm Napa, Schramsberg, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Zardetto, Villa Sandi, and Segura Viudas. Moderate priced recommendations are from Roederer Estate, Schramsberg, Iron Horse, Domaine Carneros, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Piper Heidsieck, Pommery, and Laurent-Perrier. Grower Champagnes cited are from Pierre Gimmonet, Rene Geoffroy, and Gaston Chiquet. Most expensive wines listed are from Bollinger, Pierre Grimmonet, Laurent-Perrier, Delamotte, Vilmart, and Salon le Mesnil.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on California sparkling wine producers. Profiles of wines from Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, Gloria Ferrer, Iron Horse Vineyards, and J Vineyards & Winery.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on sparkling wines for all dinner courses. Nice comments on offerings from 1 + 1 = 3, Zonin, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Kluge, Domaine Carneros, Roederer Estate, Laurent-Perrier, Schramsberg, Taittinger, and several from Perrier-Jouet.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on sparkling wines. Highest rating goes to Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on sparkling wines from Gruet, Casteller, Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, Krug, and Perrier-Jouet, with best comments for Casteller as value, and Krug for quality.
Dallas Morning News: Tasting panel selections of inexpensive sparkling wine include Chandon Brut Classic, Col di Luna Rose di Valmonte Prosecco, Gloria Ferrer Brut, Foss Marai Extra Dry Prosecco, Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Blanc de Blancs, Carpene Malvolti Prosecco, Segura Viudas Brut Reserva, and Roederer Estate Brut.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel on sparkling wines in several price ranges. Recommended are Lindauer Brut, Gruet Brut, Taltarni Brut Tache 2005, Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut, Roederer Estate L'Ermitage 2000, Delamotte Brut, and Ruinart Blanc de Blancs.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas on sparkling wines. Dozens cited without tasting notes or ratings. Cava wines are noted for value and quality, with Castillo Perrelada, Freixenet, and Segura Viudas named. Also, recommendations from Denver area wine professionals, with more than one picking Pol Roger.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Champagne. Recommended houses are Laurent-Perrier, Moet & Chandon, Mumm, Perrier-Jouet, Pommery, Taittinger, Bollinger, Louis Roederer, Krug, and Veuve Clicquot.
Miami Herald: W ine columnist Fred Tasker on the best wines of 2007. List includes Dragon Seal Blanc de Blancs, Columbia Crest 'Two Vines' Gewurztraminer 2006, Valentin Bianchi 'Elsa' Malbec 2006, Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2006, Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2006, and Bodegas La Purisma Trapio Yecla 2004.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Champagne. Top choice is Taittinger La Francaise Brut.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on top wines of the year. Winners are Delille Cellars Chaleur Estate 2005, Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Reserve 2005, Marques de Vargas Rioja Reserva 2003, Nittnaus Trockenbeerenauslese 2001, and Quinta Valde D. Douro Red 2003. Bargains of the year are from Yellow Tail, Ravenswood, Mary Michelle Winery, Lavradores de Feitoria, Colome, and Artezin.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies on independent grower-produced Champagnes. Tasting notes on a dozen of these, with best comments for Doquet Brut Rose NV.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines for a New Year's Eve dinner. Recommended are Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2005, and Podere Ruggeri Corsini Barbera d'Alba Superiore 'Armujan' 2005.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Lindeman's Bin 75 Riesling 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Vin Hunter Blanc de Noir 2004.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Pol Roger Brut 1998.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Marisa Cuomo Costa d'Amalfi Furore Riserva 2003.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Menguante Carinena Garnacha 2005.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on Pinot Gris wines from Oregon. Highest rated (and best value) is the Adelsheim Pinot Gris 2006.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on their top wine choices of the year. Rated highest is Penfolds Grange 2001. Of more than a dozen others getting 'Delicious' ratings are two under $20 - Bernardus Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2005, and Michael David Winery Incognito Viognier 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends sparkling wines. Proseccos from Riondo, Bisol, Mionetto, Zardetto, Nin Franco, and Zonin are cited. Also listed are Banfi Rosa Regale 2006, Cascinetta Bietti Moscato d'Asti 2006, Bartenura Moscato, and Rashi Moscato d'Asti. Cremant d'Alsace wines recommended are from Lucien Albrecht and Pierre Sparr. Cavas from Segura Viudas, Cordoniu, and Freixenet are recommended, as are Australian sparkling wines from Wolf Blass, Wyndham Estate, and Peter Rumball.
New York Sun: Wine columnist Peter Hellman on making cocktails with Champagne. Expert Jonathan Pogash explains all.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Laely Heron 'Sexto' 2005, Ray's Station Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, and Ajello 'Majust' Bianca 2006.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on bargain sparkling wines. Recommended are Michel Olivier Cremant de Limoux Blanc de Blancs 2003, Segura Viudas 'Aria' Cava, Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva, Rotari 'Talento' Trento, and Dom Beritol Prosecco di Conegliano.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews all of their top rankings from tastings in 2007. The only perfect (four stars) rating of the year belongs to Dominus Napa Valley Red Wine 2004. Which is nice.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on vertical tastings of Chateau Cheval Blanc and Chateau d'Yquem.
San Francisco Chronicle: Contributor W. Blake Gray on inexpensive American wines. Included are Charles Shaw Shiraz 2006, Columbia Crest Grand Estates Shiraz 2003, Columbia Crest 'Two Vines' Gewurztraminer 2006, Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Dry Creek Vineyard Clarksburg Dry Chenin Blanc 2006, Edna Valley Vineyard Chardonnay 2006, Frontier Red Lot No. 71, Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Hangtown Red Lot 35, Korbel Brut Rose, McManis Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2006, McManis Family Vineyards Zinfandel 2006, Napa Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc 2006, and Sobon Estate Zinfandel 2006.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on top wine events of 2007. Top ten wines listed are from Travaglini, Merry Edwards, MacPhail Family Wines, Louis M. Martini, Grant Burge Wines, Forefathers, Foley Estates, Easton Wines, Chasing Venus, and Charles Krug.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on sparkling wines in many categories. Inexpensive choices are from Gloria Ferrier, Mumm Napa, Schramsberg, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Zardetto, Villa Sandi, and Segura Viudas. Moderate priced recommendations are from Roederer Estate, Schramsberg, Iron Horse, Domaine Carneros, Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Piper Heidsieck, Pommery, and Laurent-Perrier. Grower Champagnes cited are from Pierre Gimmonet, Rene Geoffroy, and Gaston Chiquet. Most expensive wines listed are from Bollinger, Pierre Grimmonet, Laurent-Perrier, Delamotte, Vilmart, and Salon le Mesnil.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on California sparkling wine producers. Profiles of wines from Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, Gloria Ferrer, Iron Horse Vineyards, and J Vineyards & Winery.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on sparkling wines for all dinner courses. Nice comments on offerings from 1 + 1 = 3, Zonin, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Kluge, Domaine Carneros, Roederer Estate, Laurent-Perrier, Schramsberg, Taittinger, and several from Perrier-Jouet.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on sparkling wines. Highest rating goes to Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on sparkling wines from Gruet, Casteller, Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, Krug, and Perrier-Jouet, with best comments for Casteller as value, and Krug for quality.
Dallas Morning News: Tasting panel selections of inexpensive sparkling wine include Chandon Brut Classic, Col di Luna Rose di Valmonte Prosecco, Gloria Ferrer Brut, Foss Marai Extra Dry Prosecco, Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Blanc de Blancs, Carpene Malvolti Prosecco, Segura Viudas Brut Reserva, and Roederer Estate Brut.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel on sparkling wines in several price ranges. Recommended are Lindauer Brut, Gruet Brut, Taltarni Brut Tache 2005, Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut, Roederer Estate L'Ermitage 2000, Delamotte Brut, and Ruinart Blanc de Blancs.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas on sparkling wines. Dozens cited without tasting notes or ratings. Cava wines are noted for value and quality, with Castillo Perrelada, Freixenet, and Segura Viudas named. Also, recommendations from Denver area wine professionals, with more than one picking Pol Roger.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Champagne. Recommended houses are Laurent-Perrier, Moet & Chandon, Mumm, Perrier-Jouet, Pommery, Taittinger, Bollinger, Louis Roederer, Krug, and Veuve Clicquot.
Miami Herald: W ine columnist Fred Tasker on the best wines of 2007. List includes Dragon Seal Blanc de Blancs, Columbia Crest 'Two Vines' Gewurztraminer 2006, Valentin Bianchi 'Elsa' Malbec 2006, Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2006, Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2006, and Bodegas La Purisma Trapio Yecla 2004.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Champagne. Top choice is Taittinger La Francaise Brut.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on top wines of the year. Winners are Delille Cellars Chaleur Estate 2005, Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer Reserve 2005, Marques de Vargas Rioja Reserva 2003, Nittnaus Trockenbeerenauslese 2001, and Quinta Valde D. Douro Red 2003. Bargains of the year are from Yellow Tail, Ravenswood, Mary Michelle Winery, Lavradores de Feitoria, Colome, and Artezin.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies on independent grower-produced Champagnes. Tasting notes on a dozen of these, with best comments for Doquet Brut Rose NV.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines for a New Year's Eve dinner. Recommended are Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 2005, and Podere Ruggeri Corsini Barbera d'Alba Superiore 'Armujan' 2005.
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