Wine Review Weekly
October 20, 2008
Reports this week from the Zinfandel competition of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair by judges Laurie Daniel of the San Jose Mercury News, and Dan Berger of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, with both praising the efforts of Alexander Valley Vineyards and Forchini. Columnists Gaiter and Brecher of the Wall Street Journal have lots of nice things to say for Riesling wines from Australia. And blogger Tyler Coleman offers a posting of interest on the carbon footprint of wines and the movement to 'drink local.' John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Dow's Trademark Finest Reserve Porto.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2007, Harpersfield Vineyard Pinot Gris 2007, and Belle Vallee Cellars Pinot Noir 2006.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Rosemount 'Show Reserve' Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Alondra 'Middleridge Ranch Vineyard' Chardonnay 2007.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Quatro Mani Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2006.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Roederer Estate Brut NV.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan suggests Michael-David 'Earthquake' Petite Sirah 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks J.J. Vincent Bourgogne Blanc 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on Zinfandel wines from Paso Robles. Praise for the balance of the wines - otherwise quite diverse. Top choice is Peachy Canyon Snow Vineyard 2005, while Gravity Hills Tumbling Tractor 2004 is cited for value.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Riesling wines from Australia. Tops in tasting is Kilikanoon Wines 'Mort's Block' 2007, while Pewsey Vale Vineyard 'Dry' 2008.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on bargain wines from California. Highest rated are Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas 2005, and Windsor Sonoma Vineyards Russian River Chardonnay 2006.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on City Winery in New York City, where New Yorkers can make wines or have wines made for them.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson on the evolution of Penfolds Grange and a mega-tasting of same.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends Cabernet Sauvignon wines in all price ranges, including those from Rutherford Ranch, Edna Valley, St. Francis, Dry Creek, Spring Mountain Vineyard, Michael-David, Rodney Strong, Terra Valentine, Schweiger, Roth, and Ferrari-Carano. Also, tasting note on Pindar Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2006.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on his annual 'plonkapalooza' tasting of inexpensive wines. Notes are offered on 50 entries.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews red wines from Burgundy. Highest ratings go to Gerard Raphet Les Grands Champs Bourgogne Rouge 2006, and Bruno Colin Bourgogne Rouge 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on a variety of topics including Piero Antinori, and the newly launched Au Sommet Vineyards.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on Meritage wines. Comments on dozens of these, including blends from Joseph Phelps, Cosentino Winery, Opus One, Charles Krug, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Flora Springs Winery, and others.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on her experience judging Zinfandel wines at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Mixed bag of results, with many examples of clunky and over-extracted monster wines. Nice comments, though for Zinfandels from Alexander Valley Vineyards, Francis Ford Coppola, Forchini, Carol Shelton, Robert Rue, Quivira, Big Ass, and Sebastiani. Also, nice note on Dry Creek Fume Blanc 2007, Mahoney Vineyards Vermentino 2007, and Valley of the Moon Chardonnay 2007.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on rating wines and reader responses to his ratings. High score this week for Decoy Red Wine 2006.
Washington Post: Wine columnist Dave McIntyre on blended wines. Noted are Caymus Conundrum, Sokol Blosser Evolution, DelFosse Reserve d'Oriane, and Eola Hills Pacific Blanc.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the growing wine industry in Texas. Notes on tasting winners from Brennan Hills, Kiepersol Estates, and Flat Creek.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on vintner Miguel Azar and his wines from Argentina. Nice comments for the Solemne 2-2 Tango Torrontes 2007.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on wines from North Georgia. Tasting notes on several, with highest praise for those from Persimmon Creek Vineyards and Wolf Mountain Vineyards.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on Cabernet Sauvignon. Recommended are offerings from Liberty School, Montage, Simi, Louis M. Martini, D'Arcins, Casa Lapostolle, and Chateau Giscours.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on wines from Casa Lapostolle. Praise for the Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Chardonnay 2007, and Casa 2008.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on an upcoming visit to Miami by Piero Antinori.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wine columnist Dan Berger onthe Zinfandel judging panel at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Points out emerging lighter-style wines that please the palate, including offerings from Alexander Valley Vineyards, Forchini, Taft Street, and Mosaic.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Madeira wines. Top choice is Rare Wine Co. 'New York' Malmsey.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on the 'drink local' movement and wineries in Illinois. Tasting notes of several midwestern wines from Firelands Winery, Free Run, Illinois Cellars, L. Mawby, Prairie State Winery, St. James Winery, and Tabor Hill.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines at very different price levels. Praised are Domaine Drouhin 'Laurene' Pinot Noir 2005, and Stefano Accordini Valpolicella Classico 2006.
Vinography: Wine blogger Alder Yarrow offers a profile of Blackbird Vineyards in Napa Valley, and praise for their proprietaty 'Illustration' 2006.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Coleman argues against the large carbon footprint of Beaujolais Nouveau and urges, instead, drinking local.
Veritas in Vino: Wine blogger Alice Feiring offers an interesting post on the Gravity Hills Zinfandel praised in Eric Asimov's New York Times column this week. Question of veracity in alcohol labeling and/or alcohol manipulation in the cellar.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson has lots of nice things to say for Hispano Suizas Bassus Pinot Noir 2006.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov on the proposal to change the rules governing the varietal content of Brunello di Montalcino.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Dow's Trademark Finest Reserve Porto.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2007, Harpersfield Vineyard Pinot Gris 2007, and Belle Vallee Cellars Pinot Noir 2006.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Rosemount 'Show Reserve' Cabernet Sauvignon 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Alondra 'Middleridge Ranch Vineyard' Chardonnay 2007.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Quatro Mani Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2006.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Roederer Estate Brut NV.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan suggests Michael-David 'Earthquake' Petite Sirah 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks J.J. Vincent Bourgogne Blanc 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on Zinfandel wines from Paso Robles. Praise for the balance of the wines - otherwise quite diverse. Top choice is Peachy Canyon Snow Vineyard 2005, while Gravity Hills Tumbling Tractor 2004 is cited for value.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Riesling wines from Australia. Tops in tasting is Kilikanoon Wines 'Mort's Block' 2007, while Pewsey Vale Vineyard 'Dry' 2008.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on bargain wines from California. Highest rated are Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas 2005, and Windsor Sonoma Vineyards Russian River Chardonnay 2006.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on City Winery in New York City, where New Yorkers can make wines or have wines made for them.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson on the evolution of Penfolds Grange and a mega-tasting of same.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends Cabernet Sauvignon wines in all price ranges, including those from Rutherford Ranch, Edna Valley, St. Francis, Dry Creek, Spring Mountain Vineyard, Michael-David, Rodney Strong, Terra Valentine, Schweiger, Roth, and Ferrari-Carano. Also, tasting note on Pindar Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2006.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on his annual 'plonkapalooza' tasting of inexpensive wines. Notes are offered on 50 entries.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews red wines from Burgundy. Highest ratings go to Gerard Raphet Les Grands Champs Bourgogne Rouge 2006, and Bruno Colin Bourgogne Rouge 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on a variety of topics including Piero Antinori, and the newly launched Au Sommet Vineyards.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on Meritage wines. Comments on dozens of these, including blends from Joseph Phelps, Cosentino Winery, Opus One, Charles Krug, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Flora Springs Winery, and others.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on her experience judging Zinfandel wines at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Mixed bag of results, with many examples of clunky and over-extracted monster wines. Nice comments, though for Zinfandels from Alexander Valley Vineyards, Francis Ford Coppola, Forchini, Carol Shelton, Robert Rue, Quivira, Big Ass, and Sebastiani. Also, nice note on Dry Creek Fume Blanc 2007, Mahoney Vineyards Vermentino 2007, and Valley of the Moon Chardonnay 2007.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on rating wines and reader responses to his ratings. High score this week for Decoy Red Wine 2006.
Washington Post: Wine columnist Dave McIntyre on blended wines. Noted are Caymus Conundrum, Sokol Blosser Evolution, DelFosse Reserve d'Oriane, and Eola Hills Pacific Blanc.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the growing wine industry in Texas. Notes on tasting winners from Brennan Hills, Kiepersol Estates, and Flat Creek.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on vintner Miguel Azar and his wines from Argentina. Nice comments for the Solemne 2-2 Tango Torrontes 2007.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on wines from North Georgia. Tasting notes on several, with highest praise for those from Persimmon Creek Vineyards and Wolf Mountain Vineyards.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on Cabernet Sauvignon. Recommended are offerings from Liberty School, Montage, Simi, Louis M. Martini, D'Arcins, Casa Lapostolle, and Chateau Giscours.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on wines from Casa Lapostolle. Praise for the Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Chardonnay 2007, and Casa 2008.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on an upcoming visit to Miami by Piero Antinori.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wine columnist Dan Berger onthe Zinfandel judging panel at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Points out emerging lighter-style wines that please the palate, including offerings from Alexander Valley Vineyards, Forchini, Taft Street, and Mosaic.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Madeira wines. Top choice is Rare Wine Co. 'New York' Malmsey.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on the 'drink local' movement and wineries in Illinois. Tasting notes of several midwestern wines from Firelands Winery, Free Run, Illinois Cellars, L. Mawby, Prairie State Winery, St. James Winery, and Tabor Hill.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines at very different price levels. Praised are Domaine Drouhin 'Laurene' Pinot Noir 2005, and Stefano Accordini Valpolicella Classico 2006.
Vinography: Wine blogger Alder Yarrow offers a profile of Blackbird Vineyards in Napa Valley, and praise for their proprietaty 'Illustration' 2006.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Coleman argues against the large carbon footprint of Beaujolais Nouveau and urges, instead, drinking local.
Veritas in Vino: Wine blogger Alice Feiring offers an interesting post on the Gravity Hills Zinfandel praised in Eric Asimov's New York Times column this week. Question of veracity in alcohol labeling and/or alcohol manipulation in the cellar.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson has lots of nice things to say for Hispano Suizas Bassus Pinot Noir 2006.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov on the proposal to change the rules governing the varietal content of Brunello di Montalcino.
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