Wine Review Weekly
December 22, 2008
Lots of sparkling wine recommendations this week - in the Dallas Morning News and elsewhere - with an emphasis this year on value. Dessert wines are given much attention by Laurie Daniel in the San Jose Mercury News and Ben Weinberg in the Rocky Mountain News. And at the Wall Street Journal, columnists Gaiter and Brecher recall the best wines they tasted this year. John Gillespi
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Magito Panorama Zinfandel 2005.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut NV.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Chateau Montus Madrian 2005.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers suggests Yellow + Blue Torrontes 2008.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies recommends a book this week - the updated Oxford Companion to Wine.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Tintara McLaren Vale Grenache.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg offers three under $20 selections this week - all from Anthony Road Winery. They are Tony's Red, No Oak Chardonnay 2007, and Riesling 2007.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Vinos Pinol Ludovicus 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on wine books, with recommendations of new offerings from Jancis Robinson, Andrew Jeffords, and others. Special praise for Corkscrewed: Adventures in the New French Wine Country by Robert V. Camuto.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on the top wines they tasted this year. In a class by itself is Chateau Latour 2005. Eight others earned the 'delicious' rating, none from California.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on white wines from Italy. Highest rated is Vie di Romans Flors di Uis 2006.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist John Mariani on the Marchesi di Barolo wines.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson offers tasting notes on dozens of sparkling wines. Two each from Bollinger and Larmandier-Bernier get especially nice comments.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends sparkling wines for the holidays. Suggested are Trapiche Extra Brut NV, and Pindar Cuvee Rare 2002.
Baltimore Sun: Food writer Rob Kasper on bargain wines. Recommended are Tissot Cremant Rose du Jura, Bellenda Prosecco 2007, Domaine Belles Pierres 'Les Clauzes de Jo' Coteaux du Languedoc 2006, and Aguaribay Malbec 2006.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy profiles the Champagne house of Henriot.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Syrah wines from the South Central Coast of California. Highest rated are Cass Winery Paso Robles Syrah 2005, and Brian Benson 'Denner Vineyards' Paso Robles Syrah 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on the Chronicle's 'top 100' wines of 2008.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Chris Macias on wines for holiday enjoyment. Recommended are L'Abbaye de Saint Ferme Bordeaux Superieur 2004, Andezon Cotes du Rhone 2005, and Rail Bridge Cellars 'Lattice' 2004.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on dessert wines. Recommended are offerings from Hogue Cellars, Pacific Rim, Barefoot Cellars, Eos Estate, Bonny Doon, Hess, Eroica, Inniskillin, and Jackson-Triggs. Also, tasting notes on Nobilo Regional Collection Pinot Grigio 2008, and Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Alicant Bouschet 2007.
Washington Post: Wine columnist Dave McIntyre on shopping for Champagnes. Along the way, nice mentions for producers Pascal Doquet and Pierre Peters.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson profiles Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander and his Leslie Wines. Also, recommendation by local restaurant wine buyer of Bodegas Vina del Cenit 2005.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on holiday wines in all price ranges. Highest rated is Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on sparkling wines, with a focus on Gruet Blanc de Noirs Brut NV.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel picks sparkling wines in moderate price ranges. Offerings from G. H. Mumm, Nicolas Feuillatte, Domaine Carneros, Roederer Estate, Segura Viudas, Mumm Napa, Domaine Chandon, Piper Sonoma, Freixenet, and Cristalino are recommended.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends budget wines for holiday entertaining. The chosen are Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva, Indaba Sauvignon Blanc, Sebeka Sauvignon Blanc, Bandit Pinot Grigio, J. Lohr Valdigiue, and Pinot Noirs from Fat Cat, Bad Dog Ranch, and French Rabbit. To top off the meal, KWV Full tawny Port is recommended.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on dessert wines. Recommended are D'Arch Sauternes 2005, Markus Molitor Beerenauslese MSR 2006, Kiona Icewine 2007, Heinz Schmitt Eiswein 2001, Delaforce Ruby Port Fine NV, Seppelt Tawny Port Old Trafford NV, Avelar Pedro Ximenex Montilla-Moriles de Anada 2004, and Chateau d'Yquem 2003.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on the Kunde Estate Winery. Nice comments on the Chardonnay 2007, Viognier 2007, and Estate Reserve Century Vines Zinfandel 2005.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wine columnist Dan Berger on vintner Randall Grahm and his Bonny Doon wines.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker offers pairing suggestions for dozens of holiday dishes by top chefs. Nice mentions of J. Lohr, Rutz Cellars, Murphy-Goode, Marques de Riscal, Columbia Crest, Antinori, and others. Also, bonus column on Sherry.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on wines for gift-giving. Top choics is Hidden Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on Brunello wines. Recommended are Canalicchio di Sopra 2003, Neri Tenuta Nuova 2003, La Gerla Vigna gli Angeli 2003, and Altesino 2003.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on good value wines. Cases in point are Trimbach Riesling 'Cuvee Emile' 2002, and Gruet Blanc de Noirs Brut NV.
Vinography: Wine blogger Alder Yarrow offers a review by Tim Patterson of the The Billionaire's Vinegar.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Colman on late bottled Port, wit h nice comments for Taylor Fladgate LBV 2003, and Quinta do Noval LBV.
Veritas in Vino: Wine blogger Alice Feiring is skeptical of a new acquisition by LVMH.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson recommends Dreissigacker Riesling Trocken 2007.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov on sparkling wine trends in New York City restaurants.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Magito Panorama Zinfandel 2005.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Domaine Ste. Michelle Brut NV.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Chateau Montus Madrian 2005.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers suggests Yellow + Blue Torrontes 2008.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies recommends a book this week - the updated Oxford Companion to Wine.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Tintara McLaren Vale Grenache.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg offers three under $20 selections this week - all from Anthony Road Winery. They are Tony's Red, No Oak Chardonnay 2007, and Riesling 2007.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Vinos Pinol Ludovicus 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on wine books, with recommendations of new offerings from Jancis Robinson, Andrew Jeffords, and others. Special praise for Corkscrewed: Adventures in the New French Wine Country by Robert V. Camuto.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on the top wines they tasted this year. In a class by itself is Chateau Latour 2005. Eight others earned the 'delicious' rating, none from California.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on white wines from Italy. Highest rated is Vie di Romans Flors di Uis 2006.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist John Mariani on the Marchesi di Barolo wines.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson offers tasting notes on dozens of sparkling wines. Two each from Bollinger and Larmandier-Bernier get especially nice comments.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends sparkling wines for the holidays. Suggested are Trapiche Extra Brut NV, and Pindar Cuvee Rare 2002.
Baltimore Sun: Food writer Rob Kasper on bargain wines. Recommended are Tissot Cremant Rose du Jura, Bellenda Prosecco 2007, Domaine Belles Pierres 'Les Clauzes de Jo' Coteaux du Languedoc 2006, and Aguaribay Malbec 2006.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy profiles the Champagne house of Henriot.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Syrah wines from the South Central Coast of California. Highest rated are Cass Winery Paso Robles Syrah 2005, and Brian Benson 'Denner Vineyards' Paso Robles Syrah 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on the Chronicle's 'top 100' wines of 2008.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Chris Macias on wines for holiday enjoyment. Recommended are L'Abbaye de Saint Ferme Bordeaux Superieur 2004, Andezon Cotes du Rhone 2005, and Rail Bridge Cellars 'Lattice' 2004.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on dessert wines. Recommended are offerings from Hogue Cellars, Pacific Rim, Barefoot Cellars, Eos Estate, Bonny Doon, Hess, Eroica, Inniskillin, and Jackson-Triggs. Also, tasting notes on Nobilo Regional Collection Pinot Grigio 2008, and Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Alicant Bouschet 2007.
Washington Post: Wine columnist Dave McIntyre on shopping for Champagnes. Along the way, nice mentions for producers Pascal Doquet and Pierre Peters.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson profiles Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander and his Leslie Wines. Also, recommendation by local restaurant wine buyer of Bodegas Vina del Cenit 2005.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on holiday wines in all price ranges. Highest rated is Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on sparkling wines, with a focus on Gruet Blanc de Noirs Brut NV.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel picks sparkling wines in moderate price ranges. Offerings from G. H. Mumm, Nicolas Feuillatte, Domaine Carneros, Roederer Estate, Segura Viudas, Mumm Napa, Domaine Chandon, Piper Sonoma, Freixenet, and Cristalino are recommended.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends budget wines for holiday entertaining. The chosen are Segura Viudas Cava Brut Reserva, Indaba Sauvignon Blanc, Sebeka Sauvignon Blanc, Bandit Pinot Grigio, J. Lohr Valdigiue, and Pinot Noirs from Fat Cat, Bad Dog Ranch, and French Rabbit. To top off the meal, KWV Full tawny Port is recommended.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on dessert wines. Recommended are D'Arch Sauternes 2005, Markus Molitor Beerenauslese MSR 2006, Kiona Icewine 2007, Heinz Schmitt Eiswein 2001, Delaforce Ruby Port Fine NV, Seppelt Tawny Port Old Trafford NV, Avelar Pedro Ximenex Montilla-Moriles de Anada 2004, and Chateau d'Yquem 2003.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on the Kunde Estate Winery. Nice comments on the Chardonnay 2007, Viognier 2007, and Estate Reserve Century Vines Zinfandel 2005.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wine columnist Dan Berger on vintner Randall Grahm and his Bonny Doon wines.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker offers pairing suggestions for dozens of holiday dishes by top chefs. Nice mentions of J. Lohr, Rutz Cellars, Murphy-Goode, Marques de Riscal, Columbia Crest, Antinori, and others. Also, bonus column on Sherry.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on wines for gift-giving. Top choics is Hidden Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on Brunello wines. Recommended are Canalicchio di Sopra 2003, Neri Tenuta Nuova 2003, La Gerla Vigna gli Angeli 2003, and Altesino 2003.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on good value wines. Cases in point are Trimbach Riesling 'Cuvee Emile' 2002, and Gruet Blanc de Noirs Brut NV.
Vinography: Wine blogger Alder Yarrow offers a review by Tim Patterson of the The Billionaire's Vinegar.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Colman on late bottled Port, wit h nice comments for Taylor Fladgate LBV 2003, and Quinta do Noval LBV.
Veritas in Vino: Wine blogger Alice Feiring is skeptical of a new acquisition by LVMH.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson recommends Dreissigacker Riesling Trocken 2007.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov on sparkling wine trends in New York City restaurants.
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