Wine Review Weekly
June 2, 2008
Interesting article this week in Bloomberg News by Elin McCoy, profiling three importers specializing in wines of Spain. In the Boston Globe, columnist Stephen Meuse looks for bargain wines summer and finds them still coming in from Europe, despite the weak dollar. Bargain imports are also on the mind of Matt Kramer in the Oregonian. And tribute articles to Robert Mondavi continue, most notably from Laurie Daniel in the San Jose Mercury News. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Benessere Pinot Grigio 2007.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Rosso & Bianco Rosso 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Mendocino Farms Redvine Series 2004.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Joseph Phelps Le Mistral 2005.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Strohmeier Schilcher Sekt.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Selbach Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Dry Riesling 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov writes on beer this week.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio wines made in the U.S. Top choice is Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Gris 2006, while Hogue Cellars Pinot Grigio 2007 is cited as a value.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on Malbec wines from Argentina. Highest rated are Vino Cobos 'Cobos Marchiori Vineyard' 2005, and Catena Zapato Argentino Vineyard 2004.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on wine importers Steve Metzler, Eric Solomon, and Jorge Ordonez. Focus is on their extraordinary wines from Spain, with glowing remarks for several, including Pesquera Millenium Reserva 1996, Clos Erasmus Clos i Terrasses 2005, As Sortes 2006, and Alto Moncayo Aquilon 2005.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Raymond Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Redwood Creek Pinot Noir 2006, and Tenuta Rapitala 'Campo Reale' Nero d'Avola 2006.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on bargain white wines for summer. Recommended are Semino 'La Colombera' Colli Tortonesi 2007, Kremser Weinzierl Kremstal Gruner Veltliner 2006, Cantele IGT Salento Chardonnay 2006, Cave de Saumur 'Les Pouches' Saumur 2007, and Villa Antinori IGT Toscana 2006.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer TJ Foderaro on box wines and other topics. Nice comments for Boho Chardonnay 2006. Also, praise for several wines from Wente, including the 'Morning Fog' Chardonnay, 'Riva Ranch' Chardonnay, and 'Crane Ridge' Merlot 2004.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Muscat wines of varying types and styles. Highest recommendations go to Tranchero Osvaldo Moscato d'Asti 2006, La Badia Badis Moscato d'Asti 2006, Vignoble de Katzenthal Meyer-Fonne Alsace Muscat 2006, and Innocent Bystander Victoria Moscato 2008.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on California cult wines. many mentions, from Screaming Eagle to Scarecrow. On another page, the short list of candidates for "next" cult winery includes Scholium Project, Scarecrow, Ovid, Sloan, Drinkward Peshon, and Aubert Wines. And on yet another page, a listing of other contenders for cult status.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne interviews UC Davis professor Charles Bamforth, author of Grape vs. Grain.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on the legacy of Robert Mondavi and the elegant winemaking style that was his hallmark.
Los Angeles Times: Staff writer Corie Brown on the Sauvignon Republic wine company. Focus on winemaker John Buechsenstein.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on the vision and accomplishments of Robert Mondavi.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines from Uruguay. Nice comments on Vinedo de los Vientos Estival 2006, Posada del Virrey Viognier 2005, H. Stagnari Tannat Viejo 2004, Dante Irurtia Dante's Red 2005, and Don Adelio Ariano Tannat Reserve 2004. Karen's pick this week is Vinedo de los Vientos Alcyone Licor de Tannat, while Andrew favors H. Stagnari Gewurztraminer 2007.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson profiles wine educator Tim Hanni. Also, focus on Pinot Meunier, and offerings of same from Domaine Chandon and August Briggs Winery.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on Robert Mondavi, his life and times, with comments from Julia Flynn Siler.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on bargain wines to be found at Costco. Highest rated is Fontanafredda 'Briccotondo' Barbera 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on Syrah wines. Nice mentions for several California pruducers, but featured is Rocca Family Vineyards Yountville Syrah 2004.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel recommends wines to pair with gourmet popcorn. The chosen are La Spinetta Biancospino Moscato d'Asti 2004, Oxford Landing GSM 2005, Saint M Riesling 2006, Crios Rose of Malbec 2007, and Cristalino Cava Rose NV.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas on wines with steak. Recommended are La Vielle Ferme Cotes du Ventoux 2006, Wingnut Zinfandel 2005, Familia Zuccardi Malbec 2005, Zette Cahors Malbec 2003, and Hardy's Sparkling Shiraz.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on white wines for summer enjoyment. Recommended are Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Chardonnay 2006, Byron Chardonnay 2005, Nickel & Nickel Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay 2006, and Beringer Alluvium Blanc 2006.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wines from New Zealand. Top recommendations go to Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Woollaston Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Vinoptima Reserve Gewurztraminer 2004, and Mt. Difficulty Pinot Noir 2006. On another page, recommendation of Valentin Bianchi Elsa Malbec 2006 as a bargain wine.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Napa Valley. Top choice is Artesa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on Pinot Grigio wines. On another page, tasting notes on several examples from Italy and the U.S. Top choices are Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2006, Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia 2006, and Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio Collio 2006.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies reflects on the life and times of Robert Mondavi.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on the continuing avalability of bargain imported wines. Cases in point are Bodegas Aragonesas Crucillon 'Campo de Borja' Grenache 2005, and Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages 2006.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Benessere Pinot Grigio 2007.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Rosso & Bianco Rosso 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Mendocino Farms Redvine Series 2004.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Joseph Phelps Le Mistral 2005.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Strohmeier Schilcher Sekt.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Selbach Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Dry Riesling 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov writes on beer this week.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio wines made in the U.S. Top choice is Bethel Heights Vineyard Pinot Gris 2006, while Hogue Cellars Pinot Grigio 2007 is cited as a value.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on Malbec wines from Argentina. Highest rated are Vino Cobos 'Cobos Marchiori Vineyard' 2005, and Catena Zapato Argentino Vineyard 2004.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on wine importers Steve Metzler, Eric Solomon, and Jorge Ordonez. Focus is on their extraordinary wines from Spain, with glowing remarks for several, including Pesquera Millenium Reserva 1996, Clos Erasmus Clos i Terrasses 2005, As Sortes 2006, and Alto Moncayo Aquilon 2005.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Raymond Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Redwood Creek Pinot Noir 2006, and Tenuta Rapitala 'Campo Reale' Nero d'Avola 2006.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on bargain white wines for summer. Recommended are Semino 'La Colombera' Colli Tortonesi 2007, Kremser Weinzierl Kremstal Gruner Veltliner 2006, Cantele IGT Salento Chardonnay 2006, Cave de Saumur 'Les Pouches' Saumur 2007, and Villa Antinori IGT Toscana 2006.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer TJ Foderaro on box wines and other topics. Nice comments for Boho Chardonnay 2006. Also, praise for several wines from Wente, including the 'Morning Fog' Chardonnay, 'Riva Ranch' Chardonnay, and 'Crane Ridge' Merlot 2004.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Muscat wines of varying types and styles. Highest recommendations go to Tranchero Osvaldo Moscato d'Asti 2006, La Badia Badis Moscato d'Asti 2006, Vignoble de Katzenthal Meyer-Fonne Alsace Muscat 2006, and Innocent Bystander Victoria Moscato 2008.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne interviews UC Davis professor Charles Bamforth, author of Grape vs. Grain.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on the legacy of Robert Mondavi and the elegant winemaking style that was his hallmark.
Los Angeles Times: Staff writer Corie Brown on the Sauvignon Republic wine company. Focus on winemaker John Buechsenstein.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on the vision and accomplishments of Robert Mondavi.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines from Uruguay. Nice comments on Vinedo de los Vientos Estival 2006, Posada del Virrey Viognier 2005, H. Stagnari Tannat Viejo 2004, Dante Irurtia Dante's Red 2005, and Don Adelio Ariano Tannat Reserve 2004. Karen's pick this week is Vinedo de los Vientos Alcyone Licor de Tannat, while Andrew favors H. Stagnari Gewurztraminer 2007.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson profiles wine educator Tim Hanni. Also, focus on Pinot Meunier, and offerings of same from Domaine Chandon and August Briggs Winery.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on Robert Mondavi, his life and times, with comments from Julia Flynn Siler.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on bargain wines to be found at Costco. Highest rated is Fontanafredda 'Briccotondo' Barbera 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on Syrah wines. Nice mentions for several California pruducers, but featured is Rocca Family Vineyards Yountville Syrah 2004.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel recommends wines to pair with gourmet popcorn. The chosen are La Spinetta Biancospino Moscato d'Asti 2004, Oxford Landing GSM 2005, Saint M Riesling 2006, Crios Rose of Malbec 2007, and Cristalino Cava Rose NV.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas on wines with steak. Recommended are La Vielle Ferme Cotes du Ventoux 2006, Wingnut Zinfandel 2005, Familia Zuccardi Malbec 2005, Zette Cahors Malbec 2003, and Hardy's Sparkling Shiraz.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on white wines for summer enjoyment. Recommended are Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Chardonnay 2006, Byron Chardonnay 2005, Nickel & Nickel Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay 2006, and Beringer Alluvium Blanc 2006.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wines from New Zealand. Top recommendations go to Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Woollaston Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Vinoptima Reserve Gewurztraminer 2004, and Mt. Difficulty Pinot Noir 2006. On another page, recommendation of Valentin Bianchi Elsa Malbec 2006 as a bargain wine.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Napa Valley. Top choice is Artesa Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on Pinot Grigio wines. On another page, tasting notes on several examples from Italy and the U.S. Top choices are Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie 2006, Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia 2006, and Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio Collio 2006.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies reflects on the life and times of Robert Mondavi.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on the continuing avalability of bargain imported wines. Cases in point are Bodegas Aragonesas Crucillon 'Campo de Borja' Grenache 2005, and Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages 2006.
SHARE »
