Wine Review Weekly
April 14, 2008
You know the wine bar craze is for real when in the same week the New York Times devotes a column to all the new entries in New York City and the Wall Street Journal enthusiastically reviews many now in Washington, DC. Continuing last week's trend, Laurie Daniel, of the San Jose Mercury News, goes looking for bargain red wines under $15 and finds many. And Bill Daley, writing in the Chicago Tribune, has lots of nice things to say about Petite Sirah wines. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Jacob's Creek Brut Cuvee.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Drylands Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Tenuta della Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel 2006.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Herzog Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Statti Calabria Gaglioppo 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the proliferation of wine bars in New York City. Nice mention along the way for the Rioja wines of R. Lopez de Heredia.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on wine bars in the Washington, DC area. Focus is on eclectic selections, but nice mention also for Goldeneye Pinot Noir, and Soiree Pinot Noir.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on the wines of Breggo Cellars in California. Highest ratings are for the Pinot Gris Wiley Vineyard 2006, and the Ferrington Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends several wines from Paumanok Vineyards. The chosen are the Chenin Blanc 2007, Semi-Dry Riesling 2007, Dry Riesling 2007, Sauvignon Blanc 2007, and Festival Chardonnay 2007.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel 2006, Climbing Pinot Grigio 2007, Columbia Crest Two Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2006, and Hanna Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on vintner Josh Jensen and his wines. High praise for Calera Mt. Harlan Cuvee 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines selling for less than $50. Highest ratings are for Truchard Vineyards Carneros 2004, and Flora Springs 2004.
San Francisco Chronicle: Contributor Derrick Schneider on the New Zealand wine industry and growing interest in Pinot Noir. Tasting notes on Sauvignon Blanc wines from Cloudy Bay, Lawson's Dry Hills, Seresin, and Villa Maria. Also, notes on Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2005, Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2006, and three from Pyramid Valley Vineyards - the Semillon 2006, Pinot Blanc 2006, and Riesling 2005.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on wine finds of the year. The list includes Angove's Clare Valley Select Riesling 2006, Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Holly's Hill Vineyards 'Patriarche' 2005, Merryvale Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2005, Ferrari-Carano 'Fiorella' Chardonnay 2006, Morgan Double L Vineyard Chardonnay 2006, Robert Stemmler Nugent Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005, Groth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Greg Norman California Estates Lake County Red Hills Zinfandel 2005, and Paul Dolan Vineyards Zinfandel 2005.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on bargain red wines. Recommended are Merlot wines from Blackstone, R Collection, Jekel, Meridian, Snoqualmie, and Penfolds. Cabernets from Hayman & Hill, Concannon, Snoqualmie, and Penfolds get the nod, as do Syrah/Shiraz wines from Black Box, McWilliam's Hanwood Estate, and Peter Lehmann. For Zinfandel, the chosen producers are Kenwood, Screw Kappa Napa, Sobon Estate, and Windmill. Other reds recommended are from Santa Julia, Diseno, Greg Norman California Estates, Peter Lehmann, Tenimenti Angelini, La Vieille Ferme, Five Rivers, and Meridian.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies on truth in labeling for wines.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on kosher wines. Nice mentions for offerings from Barons Edmond Benjamin de Rothschild, Goose Bay, Rimon Winery, Carmel Winery, and Galil Mountain. Karen's choice is Yarden Odem Organic Vineyard Chardonnay 2005, while Andrew opts for Herzog Special Reserve Edna Valley Syrah 2004.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on wine and food pairings. Local notable recommends Finca El Retiro Malbec 2004, while Robertson finds value in Domaine Brusset Cotes du Rhone 2005.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers is enthusiastic about Twin Vines Vinho Verde 2007.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on half bottles and wines in single serving sizes. Highest rated is Robert Mondavi Moscato d'Oro 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on wine blogs. Also, a recommendation for Conreria d'Scala Dei 'Les Brugueres Priorat Blanc 2006.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel has nice things to say for Estancia Pinot Grigio 2006.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Jennifer Rosen on wine touring. Recommended this week are Ehret 'The Beginning' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Sebastiani Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Sebastiani Russian River Pinot Noir 2005, Alexander Valley Estate Syrah 2005, Alexander Valley Vineyards Rose of Sangiovese 2006, Joseph Swan Pinot Gris 2006, Joseph Swan Saralee's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005, and Sausal Family Alexander Valley Zinfandel 2004.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon profiles Schramsberg and their sparkling wines. Recommended are the Blanc de Blancs 2004, Cremant Demi-Sec 2004, Mirabelle Rose NV, and J. Schram 2000.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wine festivals. Most highly recommended this week are Martin Codax Albarino 2006, and Valdelainos Verdejo 2006. On another page, a recommendation for Lolonis Ladybug White Cuvee III.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Viognier wines. Top recommendation is for Shinas Estate 'The Innocent' Viognier 2007.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on Petite Sirah. On another page, tasting notes on several standouts, with highest rating going to Stag's Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2004.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines that are expressions of individuality. Examples are Eyrie Vineyards 'Estate Grown' Pinot Noir 2005, and Bruna Grimaldi Barbera d'Alba Superiore 'Scassa' 2005.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Goose Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Jacob's Creek Brut Cuvee.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Drylands Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Tenuta della Terre Nere Etna Rosso 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel 2006.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Herzog Late Harvest Chenin Blanc 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Statti Calabria Gaglioppo 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the proliferation of wine bars in New York City. Nice mention along the way for the Rioja wines of R. Lopez de Heredia.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on wine bars in the Washington, DC area. Focus is on eclectic selections, but nice mention also for Goldeneye Pinot Noir, and Soiree Pinot Noir.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on the wines of Breggo Cellars in California. Highest ratings are for the Pinot Gris Wiley Vineyard 2006, and the Ferrington Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends several wines from Paumanok Vineyards. The chosen are the Chenin Blanc 2007, Semi-Dry Riesling 2007, Dry Riesling 2007, Sauvignon Blanc 2007, and Festival Chardonnay 2007.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel 2006, Climbing Pinot Grigio 2007, Columbia Crest Two Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2006, and Hanna Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on vintner Josh Jensen and his wines. High praise for Calera Mt. Harlan Cuvee 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines selling for less than $50. Highest ratings are for Truchard Vineyards Carneros 2004, and Flora Springs 2004.
San Francisco Chronicle: Contributor Derrick Schneider on the New Zealand wine industry and growing interest in Pinot Noir. Tasting notes on Sauvignon Blanc wines from Cloudy Bay, Lawson's Dry Hills, Seresin, and Villa Maria. Also, notes on Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2005, Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer 2006, and three from Pyramid Valley Vineyards - the Semillon 2006, Pinot Blanc 2006, and Riesling 2005.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on wine finds of the year. The list includes Angove's Clare Valley Select Riesling 2006, Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Holly's Hill Vineyards 'Patriarche' 2005, Merryvale Vineyards Carneros Chardonnay 2005, Ferrari-Carano 'Fiorella' Chardonnay 2006, Morgan Double L Vineyard Chardonnay 2006, Robert Stemmler Nugent Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005, Groth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Greg Norman California Estates Lake County Red Hills Zinfandel 2005, and Paul Dolan Vineyards Zinfandel 2005.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on bargain red wines. Recommended are Merlot wines from Blackstone, R Collection, Jekel, Meridian, Snoqualmie, and Penfolds. Cabernets from Hayman & Hill, Concannon, Snoqualmie, and Penfolds get the nod, as do Syrah/Shiraz wines from Black Box, McWilliam's Hanwood Estate, and Peter Lehmann. For Zinfandel, the chosen producers are Kenwood, Screw Kappa Napa, Sobon Estate, and Windmill. Other reds recommended are from Santa Julia, Diseno, Greg Norman California Estates, Peter Lehmann, Tenimenti Angelini, La Vieille Ferme, Five Rivers, and Meridian.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies on truth in labeling for wines.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on kosher wines. Nice mentions for offerings from Barons Edmond Benjamin de Rothschild, Goose Bay, Rimon Winery, Carmel Winery, and Galil Mountain. Karen's choice is Yarden Odem Organic Vineyard Chardonnay 2005, while Andrew opts for Herzog Special Reserve Edna Valley Syrah 2004.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on wine and food pairings. Local notable recommends Finca El Retiro Malbec 2004, while Robertson finds value in Domaine Brusset Cotes du Rhone 2005.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers is enthusiastic about Twin Vines Vinho Verde 2007.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on half bottles and wines in single serving sizes. Highest rated is Robert Mondavi Moscato d'Oro 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on wine blogs. Also, a recommendation for Conreria d'Scala Dei 'Les Brugueres Priorat Blanc 2006.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel has nice things to say for Estancia Pinot Grigio 2006.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Jennifer Rosen on wine touring. Recommended this week are Ehret 'The Beginning' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Sebastiani Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Sebastiani Russian River Pinot Noir 2005, Alexander Valley Estate Syrah 2005, Alexander Valley Vineyards Rose of Sangiovese 2006, Joseph Swan Pinot Gris 2006, Joseph Swan Saralee's Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005, and Sausal Family Alexander Valley Zinfandel 2004.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon profiles Schramsberg and their sparkling wines. Recommended are the Blanc de Blancs 2004, Cremant Demi-Sec 2004, Mirabelle Rose NV, and J. Schram 2000.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wine festivals. Most highly recommended this week are Martin Codax Albarino 2006, and Valdelainos Verdejo 2006. On another page, a recommendation for Lolonis Ladybug White Cuvee III.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Viognier wines. Top recommendation is for Shinas Estate 'The Innocent' Viognier 2007.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on Petite Sirah. On another page, tasting notes on several standouts, with highest rating going to Stag's Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2004.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines that are expressions of individuality. Examples are Eyrie Vineyards 'Estate Grown' Pinot Noir 2005, and Bruna Grimaldi Barbera d'Alba Superiore 'Scassa' 2005.
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