Wine Review Weekly
July 7, 2008
Lots of suggestions of wines to pair with BBQ specials this week, most notably in articles by Bill Ward of the Minneapolis Star Tribune and Ben Weinberg of the Rocky Mountain News. Very interesting piece in the San Francisco Chronicle by staff writer Tara Duggan, on the return of hand-bottled jug wines. And Eric Asimov, in the New York Times, finds a truly eclectic collection of red wines that can be served with a chill. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Robert Stemmler Nugent Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks J. Lohr 'Wildflower' Valdiguie 2007.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Chateau Font-Mars Picpoul de Pinet 2007.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Harlow Ridge Zinfandel 2005.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Tegernseerhof Wachau Dry Rose 2007.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan suggests Gal Tior Egri Pinot Noir 2004.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Ricossa Antica Casa Moscato d'Asti 2007.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the pleasures of chilled red wine. Nice mentions for eligible categories like Lambrusco, Beaujolais, Rioja crianza, and even Zinfandel from those with a lighter touch, namely Dashe, Nalle, Sky, and Quivira. Calera Mount Harlan Cuvee Pinot Noir 2004 gets a nod, as do Paitin Barbera d'Alba 2006, Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Granges 2006, and Domaine de la Pepiere Cuvee Granit 2006.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on good values from the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux. Highest rated is Barde-Haut St. Emilion 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends Sauvignon Blanc wines from Souverain Alexander Valley, Sauvignon Republic Russian River Valley, Charles Krug, and Sonoma Vineyards. Also recommended are Sauvignon Blancs from Sterling Vintner's Collection, Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve, Hess Collection, and Mercer Columbia Valley. From Long Island, the Bedell Cellars First Crush White 2007 is also given a nod.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Zinfandel wines from Paso Robles. Highest rated is Eberle Paso Robles Zinfandel 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: Staff writer Tara Duggan on the increasing number of wineries selling directly from barrel to jug, and the return of respectability for these wines. Examples cited are Foppiano Vineyards, Martin Ray Winery, La Nebbia Winery, Guglielmo Winery, and Preston of Dry Creek.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on dry rose wines for summer enjoyment. Recommended are Eberle Syrah rose 2007, Quivira Grenache Rose 2007, Beckmen Grenache Rose 2007, Epiphany Grenache Rose 2007, Vin Gris de Ci gare 2007, Robert Hall Rose de Robles 2007, Tablas Creek Rose 2007, La Vieille Ferme Rose 2007, Bieler Pere et Fils Rose 2007, Angove's 'Nine Vines' Rose 2007, SoloRosa 2007, Benessere Rosato 2007, Etude Pinot Noir Rose 2007, Pedroncelli Dry Rose of Zinfandel 2007, and Marques de Caceres Rioja Rose 2007.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on wineries winning multiple awards at the Critics Challenge wine competition. Among the stellar performers are Brolio, Bonny Doon, Mumm Napa Valley, Angove's, Chanson, Beringer, and Cycles Gladiator. Also, high rating this week for The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines from Santa Barbara. Nice mentions for Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir, Sanford Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2006, as well as several offerings from Foxen Winery, Firestone Vineyard, and Fess Parker Winery. Karen's choice this week is Sanford Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2006, while Andrew favors Fess Parker Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson profiles vintner Clay Brock of Zaca Mesa. Praise for several of the wines, including the Viognier 2006 and Roussanne 2005. Also, recommendation from area retailer for Bella Sera Rosato Pinot Grigio 2006.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on Quivira Vineyards. High praise for the Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on sparkling wines for the 4th of July weekend. Highest ratings go to Patrick Bottex 'La Cueille' Vin de Bugey-Cerdon, and Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on wines for BBQ fare. Nice mentions for wines from Hess Collection, Beringer, McWilliams, C.G. di Aire, Au Bon Climat, Dry Creek Vineyards, Jaboulet, and Red Guitar. Top choice is Piattelli Lujan de Cuyo Premium Malbec 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Wine writer Kim Pierce on the wines of Dutton-Goldfield. Tasting notes on the Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2006, and Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends wines to pair with cake. The chosen are King Estate Vin Glace Pinot Gris 2006, Iron Horse Vineyards Green Valley Russian Cuvee 2003, Carlson Vineyards Colorado Cherry Wine 2005, and Dashe Late Harvest Zinfandel 2006.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on American wines for the 4th of July. Recommended are Airlie Pinot Noir 2006, Gordon Brothers Merlot 2006, Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Debeque Canyon Gewurztraminer 2005, Adelsheim Pinot Gris 2006, Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Chardonnay 2006, Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc 2007, and Kiona Red Mountain Chenin Blanc Ice Wine.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Zinfandel wines. Recommended are those of De Loach Vineyards, Dry Creek Vineyards, Rosenblum Cellars, Kunde Estate, Artezin, Wilson Winery, and Amapola Creek.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wines from Argentina. Focus is on Luigi Bosca, with high ratings for the Icono 2005, Malbec Verdot 'Finca los Nobles' 2004, and Syrah 'El Paraiso' Vineyard 2004.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on wine in half bottles. Top choice is Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay 2006.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley reports from Bordeaux on the struggles of vintners in the global market. Case in point is Chateau Lassegue in St. Emilion. On another page, a look at geography and winemaking, with mentions for Gaja Family Wine Estates, Vietti, Chateau Palmer, Brooks Riesling 2006, and Chateau Lassegue 'Pink Criquet.'
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on vintner William Hatcher and his wines. Praise for the William Hatcher Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2005. Nice mentions also for Yamhill Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir, Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2006, Joseph Drouhin St. Veran 2005, and Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico 2006.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Robert Stemmler Nugent Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks J. Lohr 'Wildflower' Valdiguie 2007.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Chateau Font-Mars Picpoul de Pinet 2007.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Eyrie Vineyards Pinot Gris 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Harlow Ridge Zinfandel 2005.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Tegernseerhof Wachau Dry Rose 2007.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan suggests Gal Tior Egri Pinot Noir 2004.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Ricossa Antica Casa Moscato d'Asti 2007.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the pleasures of chilled red wine. Nice mentions for eligible categories like Lambrusco, Beaujolais, Rioja crianza, and even Zinfandel from those with a lighter touch, namely Dashe, Nalle, Sky, and Quivira. Calera Mount Harlan Cuvee Pinot Noir 2004 gets a nod, as do Paitin Barbera d'Alba 2006, Bernard Baudry Chinon Les Granges 2006, and Domaine de la Pepiere Cuvee Granit 2006.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on good values from the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux. Highest rated is Barde-Haut St. Emilion 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends Sauvignon Blanc wines from Souverain Alexander Valley, Sauvignon Republic Russian River Valley, Charles Krug, and Sonoma Vineyards. Also recommended are Sauvignon Blancs from Sterling Vintner's Collection, Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve, Hess Collection, and Mercer Columbia Valley. From Long Island, the Bedell Cellars First Crush White 2007 is also given a nod.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Zinfandel wines from Paso Robles. Highest rated is Eberle Paso Robles Zinfandel 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: Staff writer Tara Duggan on the increasing number of wineries selling directly from barrel to jug, and the return of respectability for these wines. Examples cited are Foppiano Vineyards, Martin Ray Winery, La Nebbia Winery, Guglielmo Winery, and Preston of Dry Creek.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on dry rose wines for summer enjoyment. Recommended are Eberle Syrah rose 2007, Quivira Grenache Rose 2007, Beckmen Grenache Rose 2007, Epiphany Grenache Rose 2007, Vin Gris de Ci gare 2007, Robert Hall Rose de Robles 2007, Tablas Creek Rose 2007, La Vieille Ferme Rose 2007, Bieler Pere et Fils Rose 2007, Angove's 'Nine Vines' Rose 2007, SoloRosa 2007, Benessere Rosato 2007, Etude Pinot Noir Rose 2007, Pedroncelli Dry Rose of Zinfandel 2007, and Marques de Caceres Rioja Rose 2007.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on wineries winning multiple awards at the Critics Challenge wine competition. Among the stellar performers are Brolio, Bonny Doon, Mumm Napa Valley, Angove's, Chanson, Beringer, and Cycles Gladiator. Also, high rating this week for The Crossings Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines from Santa Barbara. Nice mentions for Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Highliner Pinot Noir, Sanford Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2006, as well as several offerings from Foxen Winery, Firestone Vineyard, and Fess Parker Winery. Karen's choice this week is Sanford Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2006, while Andrew favors Fess Parker Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson profiles vintner Clay Brock of Zaca Mesa. Praise for several of the wines, including the Viognier 2006 and Roussanne 2005. Also, recommendation from area retailer for Bella Sera Rosato Pinot Grigio 2006.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on Quivira Vineyards. High praise for the Fig Tree Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on sparkling wines for the 4th of July weekend. Highest ratings go to Patrick Bottex 'La Cueille' Vin de Bugey-Cerdon, and Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on wines for BBQ fare. Nice mentions for wines from Hess Collection, Beringer, McWilliams, C.G. di Aire, Au Bon Climat, Dry Creek Vineyards, Jaboulet, and Red Guitar. Top choice is Piattelli Lujan de Cuyo Premium Malbec 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Wine writer Kim Pierce on the wines of Dutton-Goldfield. Tasting notes on the Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2006, and Dutton Ranch Pinot Noir 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends wines to pair with cake. The chosen are King Estate Vin Glace Pinot Gris 2006, Iron Horse Vineyards Green Valley Russian Cuvee 2003, Carlson Vineyards Colorado Cherry Wine 2005, and Dashe Late Harvest Zinfandel 2006.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on American wines for the 4th of July. Recommended are Airlie Pinot Noir 2006, Gordon Brothers Merlot 2006, Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Debeque Canyon Gewurztraminer 2005, Adelsheim Pinot Gris 2006, Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Chardonnay 2006, Robert Mondavi Fume Blanc 2007, and Kiona Red Mountain Chenin Blanc Ice Wine.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Zinfandel wines. Recommended are those of De Loach Vineyards, Dry Creek Vineyards, Rosenblum Cellars, Kunde Estate, Artezin, Wilson Winery, and Amapola Creek.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wines from Argentina. Focus is on Luigi Bosca, with high ratings for the Icono 2005, Malbec Verdot 'Finca los Nobles' 2004, and Syrah 'El Paraiso' Vineyard 2004.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on wine in half bottles. Top choice is Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay 2006.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley reports from Bordeaux on the struggles of vintners in the global market. Case in point is Chateau Lassegue in St. Emilion. On another page, a look at geography and winemaking, with mentions for Gaja Family Wine Estates, Vietti, Chateau Palmer, Brooks Riesling 2006, and Chateau Lassegue 'Pink Criquet.'
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on vintner William Hatcher and his wines. Praise for the William Hatcher Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2005. Nice mentions also for Yamhill Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir, Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir 2006, Joseph Drouhin St. Veran 2005, and Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico 2006.
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