Wine Review Weekly
May 26, 2008
Many articles on the life, vision, and legacy of Robert Mondavi this week, from Jon Bonne's fine piece in the San Francisco Chronicle to Eric Asimov's New York Times article and a heartfelt column from John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter in the Wall Street Journal. Also of note is the 'Tribute Album' for Mr. Mondavi, posted on the website of the Napa Valley Vintners at this link. Everyone in the wine industry, and everyone who loves wine, owes the great man an enormous debt of gratitude. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Forest Glen Magenta Rose 2007.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Beringer Chenin Blanc 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks La Font du Vent 'Notre Passion' Cotes du Rhone Villages 2005.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Evil Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Kendall-Jackson Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2005.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Domaine Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge 2006.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel has nice things to say for Airlie Winery Muller Thurgau.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan suggests Rolf Binder Heinrich GSM 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks a selection of sparkling ciders from Eric Bordelet.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on a new crop of wine books. Special praise for the new Clive Coates tome on Burgundy. On another page, a tribute to Robert Mondavi and his legacy.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Robert Mondavi, his life, his vision, and his wines.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on Pinot Noir wines from California. Extraordinary praise for Marcassin Sonoma Coast Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir 2003.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist John Mariani on white Burgundy wines. Singled-out for praise is Joseph Drouhin Chablis 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti on Port wines. Nice mentions for Sandeman, Dow's, Graham's, and Smith Woodhouse 10 Years Old Tawnys, as well as older offerings from several of those producers. On another page, recommendations of summer wine offerings from Long Island producers Bedell, Castelo di Borghese, Channing Daughters, Duck Walk, Jamesport Vineyards, Lenz Winery, Macari Vineyards, Martha Clara Vineyards, Paumanok Vineyards, Peconic Bay, Pellegrini, Pindar, Pugliese Vineyards, Raphael, and Wolffer Estate.
New York Sun: Wine columnist Peter Hellman on rose wines. Results of recent tasting competition show top choice to be Lauverjat Sancerre Rose. Nice mentions for many others, including offersings from Etude, Louis Jadot, Routas, Chivite, an d Wolffer Estate.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Med-Atlantic 'When Cedric Met Cecile' Chardonnay 2007, Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d'Asti 2007, Museum Crianza Tempranillo 2003, Firehouse Riesling 2006, and Firehouse Gewurztraminer 2006.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on Clos du Val and its wines. Praise for the Carneros Pinot Noir 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews dry rose wines from U.S. producers. Mediocre results, but highest ratings go to Clos du Bois 2007, Heitz Grignolino 2007, La Crema Pinot Noir Rose 2007, Montevina Terra d'Oro 2007, Toad Hollow Eye of the Toad Pinot Noir Rose 2007, Valley of the Moon Rosato di Sangiovese 2007, Ventana Vineyards Arroyo Seco Dry Rosado 2007, and Wolffer Estate 2007.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on the life, times, and legacy of Robert Mondavi.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on wines for back yard dining. Dozens of wines named, with multiple recommendations of offerings from Kendall-Jackson and Sobon Estate.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on wines with BBQ. Rhone varietals recommended from producers Bonny Doon, Clos la Chance, Domaine Alfred, Baileyana, Robert Hall, Greg Norman, Curtis, Zaca Mesa, Perrin & Fils, Angove's, and Penfolds. Zinfandels recommended are from Clos la Chance, Kenwood, Screw Kappa Napa, Wingnut, Greg Norman, Wilson Vineyards, Dry Creek, Ravenswood, and Greenwood Ridge. Others cited are from Ghost Pines, Blackstone, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Hey Mambo, Concha y Toro, and Montes.
Los Angeles Times: Staff writer Corie Brown on Robert Mondavi and the big shoes to fill in Napa Valley.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on cooking with (and enjoying) wine. Nice comments for Domaine de la Quilla Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2006, Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 2005, and Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2006. Karen's choice is Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2006, while Andrew favors Hugel Gewurztraminer 2005 (and 2006).
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the findings of his monthly tasting panel. Top scores go to Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noir, Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, and Sanford Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on direct shipment of wine coming to Georgia. Also, recommendation of Mia's Playground Pinot Noir 2006.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on summer wines. Highest ratings go to Varichon & Clers 'Privilege' Blanc de Blancs Brut, and Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on the legacy of Robert Mondavi.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon answers questions from readers. Nice comments for a number of organic wines, including offerings from Bonterra, Red Truck, and Bonny Doon. Also, recommendation of several Italian wines from Masi.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on the wines of Yangarra Estate. Highest recommendations go to the Shiraz 2006, Kinton Sirah 2005, 'Cadenzia' 2006, and Old Vine Grenache 2006.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on good value in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Top choice is Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on picnic wines. On another page, tasting notes on several, including Barton & Guestier Vouvray 2006, Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2006, Kim Crawford Dry Riesling 2007, Hugel Pinot Blanc Cuvee Les Amours 2005, Saracco Muscato d'Asti 2007, and Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on new wines of interest. Cited are J. Christopher 'Chehelam Mountain Vineyard' Chardonnay 2006, Vietti 'Tre Vigne' Barbera d'Asti 2006, and Marques de Caceres Rioja Rose 2007.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Forest Glen Magenta Rose 2007.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Beringer Chenin Blanc 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks La Font du Vent 'Notre Passion' Cotes du Rhone Villages 2005.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Evil Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Kendall-Jackson Camelot Highlands Chardonnay 2005.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Domaine Jessiaume Bourgogne Rouge 2006.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel has nice things to say for Airlie Winery Muller Thurgau.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan suggests Rolf Binder Heinrich GSM 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks a selection of sparkling ciders from Eric Bordelet.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on a new crop of wine books. Special praise for the new Clive Coates tome on Burgundy. On another page, a tribute to Robert Mondavi and his legacy.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Robert Mondavi, his life, his vision, and his wines.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on Pinot Noir wines from California. Extraordinary praise for Marcassin Sonoma Coast Marcassin Vineyard Pinot Noir 2003.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist John Mariani on white Burgundy wines. Singled-out for praise is Joseph Drouhin Chablis 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti on Port wines. Nice mentions for Sandeman, Dow's, Graham's, and Smith Woodhouse 10 Years Old Tawnys, as well as older offerings from several of those producers. On another page, recommendations of summer wine offerings from Long Island producers Bedell, Castelo di Borghese, Channing Daughters, Duck Walk, Jamesport Vineyards, Lenz Winery, Macari Vineyards, Martha Clara Vineyards, Paumanok Vineyards, Peconic Bay, Pellegrini, Pindar, Pugliese Vineyards, Raphael, and Wolffer Estate.
New York Sun: Wine columnist Peter Hellman on rose wines. Results of recent tasting competition show top choice to be Lauverjat Sancerre Rose. Nice mentions for many others, including offersings from Etude, Louis Jadot, Routas, Chivite, an d Wolffer Estate.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Med-Atlantic 'When Cedric Met Cecile' Chardonnay 2007, Cascinetta Vietti Moscato d'Asti 2007, Museum Crianza Tempranillo 2003, Firehouse Riesling 2006, and Firehouse Gewurztraminer 2006.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on Clos du Val and its wines. Praise for the Carneros Pinot Noir 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews dry rose wines from U.S. producers. Mediocre results, but highest ratings go to Clos du Bois 2007, Heitz Grignolino 2007, La Crema Pinot Noir Rose 2007, Montevina Terra d'Oro 2007, Toad Hollow Eye of the Toad Pinot Noir Rose 2007, Valley of the Moon Rosato di Sangiovese 2007, Ventana Vineyards Arroyo Seco Dry Rosado 2007, and Wolffer Estate 2007.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on the life, times, and legacy of Robert Mondavi.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on wines for back yard dining. Dozens of wines named, with multiple recommendations of offerings from Kendall-Jackson and Sobon Estate.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on wines with BBQ. Rhone varietals recommended from producers Bonny Doon, Clos la Chance, Domaine Alfred, Baileyana, Robert Hall, Greg Norman, Curtis, Zaca Mesa, Perrin & Fils, Angove's, and Penfolds. Zinfandels recommended are from Clos la Chance, Kenwood, Screw Kappa Napa, Wingnut, Greg Norman, Wilson Vineyards, Dry Creek, Ravenswood, and Greenwood Ridge. Others cited are from Ghost Pines, Blackstone, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Hey Mambo, Concha y Toro, and Montes.
Los Angeles Times: Staff writer Corie Brown on Robert Mondavi and the big shoes to fill in Napa Valley.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on cooking with (and enjoying) wine. Nice comments for Domaine de la Quilla Muscadet Sevre et Maine 2006, Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 2005, and Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2006. Karen's choice is Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2006, while Andrew favors Hugel Gewurztraminer 2005 (and 2006).
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the findings of his monthly tasting panel. Top scores go to Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noir, Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay, and Sanford Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on direct shipment of wine coming to Georgia. Also, recommendation of Mia's Playground Pinot Noir 2006.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on summer wines. Highest ratings go to Varichon & Clers 'Privilege' Blanc de Blancs Brut, and Castle Rock Pinot Noir 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on the legacy of Robert Mondavi.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon answers questions from readers. Nice comments for a number of organic wines, including offerings from Bonterra, Red Truck, and Bonny Doon. Also, recommendation of several Italian wines from Masi.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on the wines of Yangarra Estate. Highest recommendations go to the Shiraz 2006, Kinton Sirah 2005, 'Cadenzia' 2006, and Old Vine Grenache 2006.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on good value in Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Top choice is Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on picnic wines. On another page, tasting notes on several, including Barton & Guestier Vouvray 2006, Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch Chardonnay 2006, Kim Crawford Dry Riesling 2007, Hugel Pinot Blanc Cuvee Les Amours 2005, Saracco Muscato d'Asti 2007, and Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on new wines of interest. Cited are J. Christopher 'Chehelam Mountain Vineyard' Chardonnay 2006, Vietti 'Tre Vigne' Barbera d'Asti 2006, and Marques de Caceres Rioja Rose 2007.
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