Wine Review Weekly
December 15, 2008
Lots of attention is given to sparkling wines this week, with columns in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Miami Herald, and Sacramento Bee. Not to be outdone, the San Francisco Chronicle tasting panel offers tasting notes on grower Champagnes. But down at the Dallas Morning News, the tasting panel answers that burning question - what wines to pair with roasted pork shoulder? The answers abound and astound. John Gillespi
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Napa Cellars Zinfandel 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Coltibuono Cetamura Chianti 2006.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Graham's 10 Year Tawny Port.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Especial 2001.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Primarius Oregon Pinot Noir 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks The Spanish Quarter White.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Cascina Flino Dolcetto 2004.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on finding good value wines in restaurants at several price levels. Nice comments for several, including Bibi Graetz Casamatta 2007, Pasqua Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007, Nigl Kremser Freiheit Gruner Veltliner 2007, Olga Raffault Chinon Picasses 2002, Sypros Hatziyiannis Santorini Assyrtiko 2006, Pra Soave Classico 2007, Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva, Roulot Bourgogne Blanc 2004, Prager Smaragd Wachstum Bodenstein 2001, Jean-Francois Coche-Dury Bourgogne 2000, and Michel Lafarge Volnay 2000.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Champagnes that go well with food. Highest rated is Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve NV.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist John Mariani has lots of nice things to say about the Don Melchor winery in Chile.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson offers tasting notes on dozens and dozens of fortified and sweet wines.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti on dessert wines. Recommended wines are from producers Mendelson, Chateau Guiraud, Far Niente, and Macari Vineyards.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews grower Champagnes. Highest ratings go to Chartogne-Taillet Brut 2000, Gaston Chiquet Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs d'Ay Brut NV, and Pascal Doquet Millesime Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 1998.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne profiles winemaker Ehren Jordan of Turley Wine Cellars, Neyers, and Failla.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Chris Macias on sparkling wines for the holidays. Recommendations for Prosecco include offerints from Col Vetoraz, Mionetto, and Sorelle. Domestic choices are from Schramsberg, Domaine Carneros, and Gruet, while Champagne offerings are from Taittinger, Diebolt-Vallois, and Pierre Peters.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on gifts for wine lovers. Glassware, accessories, and books highlighted, including Pacific Pinot Noir, by John Winthrop Haeger.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on shopping for wine gifts online. Also, very high rating this week for Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2005, and praise for Dry Creek Vineyard 'Taylor's Vineyard Musque' Sauvignon Blanc 2006 as a value.
Washington Post: Wine columnist Dave McIntyre on sparkling wine alternatives to Champagne. On another page, recommendations of many, including Domaine Chandon Etoile Brut, which earns the highest rating.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the results of his monthly tasting panel. Highest praise goes to Rochioli Russian River Chardonnay 2006, Talbott Diamond T Estate Chardonnay 2005, Falcor Cabernet Franc 2003, Erath Pinot Noir 2006, Hahn Monterey Pinot Noir 2006, and Michael David Earthquake Cabernet 2005.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on the Antinori family of winemakers, with a focus on the daughters of Piero Antinori. Also, recommendations on several of the wines.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on red wines for winter enjoyment. Highest ratings go to Steele 'Old Vine' Pacini Vineyard Zinfandel 2006, and Katnook 'Founder's Block' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on the downside of wine scores and rating systems. Featured wine this week is Pedroncelli Friends Sonoma County Red Wine 2006.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel picks wines to accompany roasted pork shoulder. The choices are Riefle Pinot Gris 2007, Paco & Lola Albarino 2007, Gruet Chardonnay 2006, and Marques de Caceres Crianza Rioja 2004.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on the effect of glassware on wine. Recommended wines this week are Isole e Olena Chardonnay 2006, Moccagatta Chardonnay 2006, William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux 2006, Blackstone Pinot Noir Sonoma Reserve 2006, Laboure-Roi Pinot Noir Bourgogne Maximum 2005, Giant Steps Pinot Noir Sexton Vineyard 2006, Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon NV, and Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on new wines from Portugal. Tasting notes on two from Azamor winery - the Petite Verdot 2004, and Selected Vines 2004.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wine columnist Dan Berger on the continuing controversy over high alcohol wines, with reference to the editorial comments in Decanter magazine.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker offers recommendation for nearly a hundred Champagnes in all price ranges, from Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut and Moet White Star at $35 to Dom Perignon Brut Rose 1995 at $450.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on good value red wines for entertaining. Top choice is Sacred Stone Master's Red Blend.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on the new crop of wine books for gift-giving. Praise for authors Tyler Colman, Anthony Terlato, and Alice Feiring.
Vinography: Wine blogger Alder Yarrow on Bressan 'Special Bottling' Pinot Nero 2002.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Colman on an odd-looking Slovenian wine and a potpourri of other topics.
Veritas in Vino: Wine blogger Alice Feiring on a dubious cellar practice giving body to wine.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson recommends Rhone by Rober Sabon 2007.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov on restaurants who post their wine lists online.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Napa Cellars Zinfandel 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Coltibuono Cetamura Chianti 2006.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Graham's 10 Year Tawny Port.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks La Rioja Alta Vina Alberdi Especial 2001.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Primarius Oregon Pinot Noir 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks The Spanish Quarter White.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Cascina Flino Dolcetto 2004.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on finding good value wines in restaurants at several price levels. Nice comments for several, including Bibi Graetz Casamatta 2007, Pasqua Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007, Nigl Kremser Freiheit Gruner Veltliner 2007, Olga Raffault Chinon Picasses 2002, Sypros Hatziyiannis Santorini Assyrtiko 2006, Pra Soave Classico 2007, Castello di Cacchiano Chianti Classico Riserva, Roulot Bourgogne Blanc 2004, Prager Smaragd Wachstum Bodenstein 2001, Jean-Francois Coche-Dury Bourgogne 2000, and Michel Lafarge Volnay 2000.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Champagnes that go well with food. Highest rated is Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve NV.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist John Mariani has lots of nice things to say about the Don Melchor winery in Chile.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson offers tasting notes on dozens and dozens of fortified and sweet wines.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti on dessert wines. Recommended wines are from producers Mendelson, Chateau Guiraud, Far Niente, and Macari Vineyards.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews grower Champagnes. Highest ratings go to Chartogne-Taillet Brut 2000, Gaston Chiquet Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs d'Ay Brut NV, and Pascal Doquet Millesime Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Brut 1998.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne profiles winemaker Ehren Jordan of Turley Wine Cellars, Neyers, and Failla.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Chris Macias on sparkling wines for the holidays. Recommendations for Prosecco include offerints from Col Vetoraz, Mionetto, and Sorelle. Domestic choices are from Schramsberg, Domaine Carneros, and Gruet, while Champagne offerings are from Taittinger, Diebolt-Vallois, and Pierre Peters.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on gifts for wine lovers. Glassware, accessories, and books highlighted, including Pacific Pinot Noir, by John Winthrop Haeger.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on shopping for wine gifts online. Also, very high rating this week for Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2005, and praise for Dry Creek Vineyard 'Taylor's Vineyard Musque' Sauvignon Blanc 2006 as a value.
Washington Post: Wine columnist Dave McIntyre on sparkling wine alternatives to Champagne. On another page, recommendations of many, including Domaine Chandon Etoile Brut, which earns the highest rating.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the results of his monthly tasting panel. Highest praise goes to Rochioli Russian River Chardonnay 2006, Talbott Diamond T Estate Chardonnay 2005, Falcor Cabernet Franc 2003, Erath Pinot Noir 2006, Hahn Monterey Pinot Noir 2006, and Michael David Earthquake Cabernet 2005.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on the Antinori family of winemakers, with a focus on the daughters of Piero Antinori. Also, recommendations on several of the wines.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on red wines for winter enjoyment. Highest ratings go to Steele 'Old Vine' Pacini Vineyard Zinfandel 2006, and Katnook 'Founder's Block' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on the downside of wine scores and rating systems. Featured wine this week is Pedroncelli Friends Sonoma County Red Wine 2006.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel picks wines to accompany roasted pork shoulder. The choices are Riefle Pinot Gris 2007, Paco & Lola Albarino 2007, Gruet Chardonnay 2006, and Marques de Caceres Crianza Rioja 2004.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on the effect of glassware on wine. Recommended wines this week are Isole e Olena Chardonnay 2006, Moccagatta Chardonnay 2006, William Fevre Chablis Champs Royaux 2006, Blackstone Pinot Noir Sonoma Reserve 2006, Laboure-Roi Pinot Noir Bourgogne Maximum 2005, Giant Steps Pinot Noir Sexton Vineyard 2006, Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon NV, and Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on new wines from Portugal. Tasting notes on two from Azamor winery - the Petite Verdot 2004, and Selected Vines 2004.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wine columnist Dan Berger on the continuing controversy over high alcohol wines, with reference to the editorial comments in Decanter magazine.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker offers recommendation for nearly a hundred Champagnes in all price ranges, from Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut and Moet White Star at $35 to Dom Perignon Brut Rose 1995 at $450.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on good value red wines for entertaining. Top choice is Sacred Stone Master's Red Blend.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on the new crop of wine books for gift-giving. Praise for authors Tyler Colman, Anthony Terlato, and Alice Feiring.
Vinography: Wine blogger Alder Yarrow on Bressan 'Special Bottling' Pinot Nero 2002.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Colman on an odd-looking Slovenian wine and a potpourri of other topics.
Veritas in Vino: Wine blogger Alice Feiring on a dubious cellar practice giving body to wine.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson recommends Rhone by Rober Sabon 2007.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov on restaurants who post their wine lists online.
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