Wine Review Weekly
November 24, 2008
The Thankgiving wine-pairing madness reaches its peak this week, as every single varietal is deemed perfect by at least one columnist. Most sensible choices of the lot come from Laurie Daniel of the San Jose Mercury News, who favors Pinot Noir, Jon Bonne of the San Francisco Chronicle who nods to Pinot Noir but offers a well-chosen list of Cru Beaujolais, and Bill Daley of the Chicago Tribune, who offers some nice options in German Rieslings. Whatever your own choice, best wishes for a fine Thanksgiving from your editor. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun:Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage 'Les Jalets' 2005.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks three from Ohio - Grand River Cellars Austin's White, St. Joseph Vineyard Grand River Valley Pinot Noir, and Valley Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2005.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Gris 2007.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers suggests Wingnut Zinfandel 2005.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Chateau Gaudou Cahors 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel 2006.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Shinn Merlot Rose 2007.
Philadelphia Inquirer:Staff writer Craig LaBan suggests Blandy's Alvada Maderia.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Potel-Aviron Morgon 'Cote du Py' 2005.
New York Times:Wine columnist Eric Asimov offers a profile of concertmaster and wine afficionado David Chan, who has an affinity for Burgundy wines.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on top Champagnes. Winner in tasting is Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires Blanc de Blancs 1995.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on top wines from Chateauneuf du Pape of the 2006 vintage. Highest rating goes to Clos des Papes 2006.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on Thanksgiving wine recommendations. Suggested are Mumm Napa Brut Rose NV, Chateau Ste. Michelle Dr. Loosen Riesling 2007, Dr. Frank Riesling 2007, Bouchaine Chardonnay 2006, Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir 2006, and Sokol Blosser Meditrina 5.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson on unusual and very old fortified wines. Nice mentions for Seppeltsfield in Australia and Domaine Pietri-Geraud in Roussillon.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends wine varietals and types for Thanksgiving dinner.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Napa Valley Merlot wines. Highest rated is Robert Sinskey Vineyards Los Carneros 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne recommends varietals and wine types to pair with every conceivable Thanksgiving dish. No brand recommendations, but a general pitch for Pinot Noir.On another page, recommendations of Cru Beaujolais wines from Jean-Marc Burgaud, Pierre-Marie Chermette, Louis Claude Desvignes, Domaine Dupeuble, Pierre Savoye, and Trenel.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne profiles McManis Family Vineyards. Award-winning Petite Sirah 2007 and California Zinfandel 2007 are noted.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel recommends Pinot Noir wines for Thanksgiving. Under $20 selections are from Mondavi, Sterling, Jekel, and Edna Valley.Between $20 and $35 the choices are from Cambria, Kenneth Volk, Taz, Paraiso Estate, Cima Collina, La Crema, and WillaKenzie. More expensive picks are fromWillowbrook, Merry Edwards, Etude, Morgan, and Erath.For white wines Bogle and Gloria Ferrer Chardonnays are mentioned, and Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling also gets a nod.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila recommends wines for Thanksgiving. The chosen are Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose NV, Drusian Prosecco 'Cartizze' NV, Hogl Riesling Federspiel 'Steinterrassen' 2006, Niepoort 'Tiara' 2006, Candela Pinot Noir 'Mission Ranch' 2006, Domaine de la Chateleuserie Bourgeil 2006, Saracco Moscato d'Asti 2007, and Elio Perrone Moscato d'Asti 2007.
San Diego Union Tribune:Wine columnist Robert Whitley offers more on the high alcohol wine controversy. Focus is on Two Hands wines, which are notably high octane. Also, high rating is given to Watershed Shiraz 2004.
Washington Post: Wine columnist Dave McIntyre seeks advice from D.C. area wine experts on pairing wines the Thanksgiving dinner. On another page, recommendations for Paraiso Pinot Noir 2006, Govone Barbera d'Alba 2005, Barboursville Cabernet Franc Reserve 2006, Vision Cellars Blanc Gris 2007, Winzer von Erbach Erbacher Honigberg Riesling 2007, White Hall Pinot Gris 2006, Le Brun Servenay Brut Selection Grand Cru Champagne NV, Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose NV, and Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Chardonnay NV.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on wines for Thanksgiving. Recommendations for Prosecco, German or Alsatian Rieslings, Pinot Noir, Barbera d'Alba as categories to favor, but Steele Pinot Noir 'Bien Nacido' 2005 is singled out. Also, recommendation from local Houston sommelier for Inwood Estates Cornelius 2005 and Inwood Estates Tempranillo Cabernet 2004.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on good value wines for Thanksgiving. Highest rating is given to Guntrum Sheurebe Kabinett 2005.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on wine for Thanksgiving. Featured choice is Conundrum 2006.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel picks wines to pair with smoked turkey. The choices are Leth Gruner Veltliner 2007, La Crema Chardonnay 2006, Bodegas Montecillo Crianza Rioja 2005, Yalumba Barossa Bush Vines Grenache 2006, Qupe Syrah 2006, Gascon Malbec 2007, Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2006, and Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Prosecco from Adami, Bisol, Mionette or Nino Franco as an opening to Thanksgiving dinner. For the meal, she recommends Beaujolais Nouveau from Duboeuf or Boisset. Also recommended are Zinfandel wines from Clos du Bois, Dynamite Vineyards, and Fife.
Rocky Mountain News:Wine columnistBen Weinberg on wines for Thanksgiving. Recommended are Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NV, Robert Mondavi Riesling Private Selection 2007, Milbrandt Chardonnay Traditions 2006, Ironstone Xpression Rose 2007, Siduri Pinot Noir 2007, Tua Rita Rosso Dei Notri 2007, Novy Syrah Page-Nord Vineyard 2006, and Bonny Doon Muscat Vin de Glaciere NV.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on moderately priced wines for Thanksgiving. Suggested are Spanish Quarter Red 2006 (and White 2007), Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 2005, Montevina Syrah 2004, Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay 2006, and Newman's Own Chardonnay 2006.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wine column ist Dan Berger on vintage year variations. Also, nice comments for J. Pedroncelli 'Mother Clone' Zinfandel 2005.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker recommends beer - BEER! - with Thanksgiving dinner. For the outraged, though, he also reiterates last year's wine recommendations. Top choices (last year) include Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer 2006, Rosenblum Rose 2005, and Chateau Ste. Michelle 'Orphelin' Red Wine 2004.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland suggests Pinot Noir and Beaujolais wines for Thanksgiving. Top choice is Montoya Monterey Pinot Noir 2006.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley suggests German Riesling wines for Thanksgiving. Top choices are Gunderlach Jean-Baptiste Kabinett 2007, and Loosen Brothers Dr. L 2007.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on Thanksgiving wines. Choices are J.L. Wolf Wachenheimer Belz Riesling Spatlese 2003, and Pervini I Monili Sangiovese Puglia 2007.
Vinography: Wine blogger Alder Yarrow has very nice things to say about E. Guigal Chateau d'Ampuis Cote Rotie 2004.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Coleman on the joys of Cru Beaujolais
Veritas in Vino: Wine blogger Alice Feiring in the New York Times offers more on her recent winemaking stint.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson recommends Domaine du Joncier 'Le Classique' Lirac Rouge 2006.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov on German Riesling wines, with praise for J.J. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett 2001.
Baltimore Sun:Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Jaboulet Crozes Hermitage 'Les Jalets' 2005.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks three from Ohio - Grand River Cellars Austin's White, St. Joseph Vineyard Grand River Valley Pinot Noir, and Valley Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2005.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects WillaKenzie Estate Pinot Gris 2007.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers suggests Wingnut Zinfandel 2005.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Chateau Gaudou Cahors 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel 2006.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Shinn Merlot Rose 2007.
Philadelphia Inquirer:Staff writer Craig LaBan suggests Blandy's Alvada Maderia.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Potel-Aviron Morgon 'Cote du Py' 2005.
New York Times:Wine columnist Eric Asimov offers a profile of concertmaster and wine afficionado David Chan, who has an affinity for Burgundy wines.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on top Champagnes. Winner in tasting is Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millenaires Blanc de Blancs 1995.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on top wines from Chateauneuf du Pape of the 2006 vintage. Highest rating goes to Clos des Papes 2006.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on Thanksgiving wine recommendations. Suggested are Mumm Napa Brut Rose NV, Chateau Ste. Michelle Dr. Loosen Riesling 2007, Dr. Frank Riesling 2007, Bouchaine Chardonnay 2006, Saintsbury Carneros Pinot Noir 2006, and Sokol Blosser Meditrina 5.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson on unusual and very old fortified wines. Nice mentions for Seppeltsfield in Australia and Domaine Pietri-Geraud in Roussillon.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends wine varietals and types for Thanksgiving dinner.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Napa Valley Merlot wines. Highest rated is Robert Sinskey Vineyards Los Carneros 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne recommends varietals and wine types to pair with every conceivable Thanksgiving dish. No brand recommendations, but a general pitch for Pinot Noir.On another page, recommendations of Cru Beaujolais wines from Jean-Marc Burgaud, Pierre-Marie Chermette, Louis Claude Desvignes, Domaine Dupeuble, Pierre Savoye, and Trenel.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne profiles McManis Family Vineyards. Award-winning Petite Sirah 2007 and California Zinfandel 2007 are noted.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel recommends Pinot Noir wines for Thanksgiving. Under $20 selections are from Mondavi, Sterling, Jekel, and Edna Valley.Between $20 and $35 the choices are from Cambria, Kenneth Volk, Taz, Paraiso Estate, Cima Collina, La Crema, and WillaKenzie. More expensive picks are fromWillowbrook, Merry Edwards, Etude, Morgan, and Erath.For white wines Bogle and Gloria Ferrer Chardonnays are mentioned, and Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling also gets a nod.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila recommends wines for Thanksgiving. The chosen are Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose NV, Drusian Prosecco 'Cartizze' NV, Hogl Riesling Federspiel 'Steinterrassen' 2006, Niepoort 'Tiara' 2006, Candela Pinot Noir 'Mission Ranch' 2006, Domaine de la Chateleuserie Bourgeil 2006, Saracco Moscato d'Asti 2007, and Elio Perrone Moscato d'Asti 2007.
San Diego Union Tribune:Wine columnist Robert Whitley offers more on the high alcohol wine controversy. Focus is on Two Hands wines, which are notably high octane. Also, high rating is given to Watershed Shiraz 2004.
Washington Post: Wine columnist Dave McIntyre seeks advice from D.C. area wine experts on pairing wines the Thanksgiving dinner. On another page, recommendations for Paraiso Pinot Noir 2006, Govone Barbera d'Alba 2005, Barboursville Cabernet Franc Reserve 2006, Vision Cellars Blanc Gris 2007, Winzer von Erbach Erbacher Honigberg Riesling 2007, White Hall Pinot Gris 2006, Le Brun Servenay Brut Selection Grand Cru Champagne NV, Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose NV, and Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Chardonnay NV.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on wines for Thanksgiving. Recommendations for Prosecco, German or Alsatian Rieslings, Pinot Noir, Barbera d'Alba as categories to favor, but Steele Pinot Noir 'Bien Nacido' 2005 is singled out. Also, recommendation from local Houston sommelier for Inwood Estates Cornelius 2005 and Inwood Estates Tempranillo Cabernet 2004.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on good value wines for Thanksgiving. Highest rating is given to Guntrum Sheurebe Kabinett 2005.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on wine for Thanksgiving. Featured choice is Conundrum 2006.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel picks wines to pair with smoked turkey. The choices are Leth Gruner Veltliner 2007, La Crema Chardonnay 2006, Bodegas Montecillo Crianza Rioja 2005, Yalumba Barossa Bush Vines Grenache 2006, Qupe Syrah 2006, Gascon Malbec 2007, Rodney Strong Estate Pinot Noir 2006, and Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Prosecco from Adami, Bisol, Mionette or Nino Franco as an opening to Thanksgiving dinner. For the meal, she recommends Beaujolais Nouveau from Duboeuf or Boisset. Also recommended are Zinfandel wines from Clos du Bois, Dynamite Vineyards, and Fife.
Rocky Mountain News:Wine columnistBen Weinberg on wines for Thanksgiving. Recommended are Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs NV, Robert Mondavi Riesling Private Selection 2007, Milbrandt Chardonnay Traditions 2006, Ironstone Xpression Rose 2007, Siduri Pinot Noir 2007, Tua Rita Rosso Dei Notri 2007, Novy Syrah Page-Nord Vineyard 2006, and Bonny Doon Muscat Vin de Glaciere NV.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on moderately priced wines for Thanksgiving. Suggested are Spanish Quarter Red 2006 (and White 2007), Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz 2005, Montevina Syrah 2004, Columbia Crest Grand Estates Chardonnay 2006, and Newman's Own Chardonnay 2006.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wine column ist Dan Berger on vintage year variations. Also, nice comments for J. Pedroncelli 'Mother Clone' Zinfandel 2005.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker recommends beer - BEER! - with Thanksgiving dinner. For the outraged, though, he also reiterates last year's wine recommendations. Top choices (last year) include Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer 2006, Rosenblum Rose 2005, and Chateau Ste. Michelle 'Orphelin' Red Wine 2004.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland suggests Pinot Noir and Beaujolais wines for Thanksgiving. Top choice is Montoya Monterey Pinot Noir 2006.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley suggests German Riesling wines for Thanksgiving. Top choices are Gunderlach Jean-Baptiste Kabinett 2007, and Loosen Brothers Dr. L 2007.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on Thanksgiving wines. Choices are J.L. Wolf Wachenheimer Belz Riesling Spatlese 2003, and Pervini I Monili Sangiovese Puglia 2007.
Vinography: Wine blogger Alder Yarrow has very nice things to say about E. Guigal Chateau d'Ampuis Cote Rotie 2004.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Coleman on the joys of Cru Beaujolais
Veritas in Vino: Wine blogger Alice Feiring in the New York Times offers more on her recent winemaking stint.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson recommends Domaine du Joncier 'Le Classique' Lirac Rouge 2006.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov on German Riesling wines, with praise for J.J. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett 2001.
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