Wine Review Weekly
January 26, 2009
Columnist Eric Asimov, writing in the New York Times this week, heaps praise on the Cabernet Sauvignon wines of South Africa while taking a swipe at California Cabernet Sauvignons. Across the pond, Jancis Robinson at the Financial Times offers a thorough review of the difficult 2007 growing season in Burgundy. And many columnists continue to feature value wines, such as Laurie Daniel, whose column focuses on bargains from Chile and Argentina. John Gillespi
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir 2007.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Bloom Gewurztraminer 2006.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Grant Burge Shiraz 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Chateau de Puligny Montrachet 'Clos du Chateau' 2005.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers suggests a number of Viognier wines, but highest rated is Yalumba 'Y Series' 2007.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Francis Ford Coppola 'Votre Sante' Chardonnay 2007.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Graham Beck Brut Rose 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Boom Boom Columbia Valley Syrah 2007.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov offers lavish praise for Cabernet Sauvignon wines from South Africa. Top choice in tasting is De Trafford Stellenbosch 2004, while Bon Cap Robertson 2006 is noted for its value.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Malbec wines from Argentina. Lots to like in terms of style and value, with Altos Las Hormigas 2007 named best of the group (and cited also for its value). Trapiche 'Oak Cask' 2006 was also singled out for its value.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson on the 2007 vintage of Burgundy wines. A difficult year at best, with quotes from many notable producers, including Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends wines both over and under $20. Among the less expensive, the choices are from Clos de los Siete, Rutherford Hill, Peller Estates, and Attems. On the more expensive side, producers cited are Francis Ford Coppola, Talbott, Rust en Vrede, Gordon Brothers, and Michael-David.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on Port wines. Focus is on Croft wines, with comments on Croft Distinction Port.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Zinfandel wines from Dry Creek Valley. Rather modest ratings for most, but good ratings for Amphora 2006, Barber Cellars 'Mr. Beast' 2007, Hobo Treborce Vineyard 2007, Mazzocco West Dry Creek 2006, and Wilson Winery Tori Vineyard 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: Staff writer Janet Fletcher profiles the p artners behind Anthill Farms wines and their sought-after Pinot Noirs. Tasting notes on several current and upcoming releases, including the Peter Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006, which is lauded for its delicacy.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Chris Macias on bargain wines. Cases in point are King Shag Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, and Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2006.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on good wine values from Chile and Argentina. From Argentina, the Malbec wines from producers Bodega Tamari, Finca, Tercos, Diseno, Santa Julia,and Dona Paula are cited. Torrontes wines from Bodega Tamari and Andeluna are also praised. Carmenere wines of Chile that are recommended are from Espiritu de Chile, Oops, and De Martino. Other mentions include Sokol Blosser Evolution, Hayman & Hill Interchange 2007, and Peter Lehmann Layers 2008.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley picks the best wineries of 2008. Praise for Nickel & Nickel, Freestone Vineyards & Winery, Champagne Henriot, Veramonte, Truchard, Ojai Vineyard, and Prosecco producers Adami and Bisol.
Washington Post: Wine columnist Dave McIntyre on Sherry and Chinese cuisine. On another page, top recommendations are for Bodegas Hildago 'La Gitana' Manzanilla, Lustau 'Jarana' Fino, Alvear 'Carlos VII' Amontillado, Lustau 'Peninsula' Palo Cortado, Lustau 'Don Nuno' Oloroso, and Lustau 'Emilin' Moscatel.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the search for good value wines. Nice comments for McManis Family Vineyards Petite Sirah 2007. Also several bargain recommendations from a local Houston wine buyer, including selections from Flora Springs and La Crema.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on local wine tasting events. Wine focus this week is on Four Vines 'Naked' Chardonnay 2007.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on Riesling wines both sweet and dry. Recommended are Domaines Schlumberger 'Les Princes Abbeys' 2006, Dr. Fischer Steinbock 2007, Kilikanoon Watervale Mort's Block 2008, Dr. Thanisch Classic 2007, Dr. Pauly-Bergwiler Wehlener-Sonnenuhr Kabinett 2007, Clusserath-Weiler Trittenheimer Apotheke Spatlese 2007, and JJ Prum Graacher-Himmelreich Auslese 2007.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on wines from the Jorian Hill winery in Santa Barbara County. Praise for the Viognier and Syrah wines.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on fortified wines. Top choice is Yalumba Antique Tawny Port NV.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on wines to pair with Chinese foods for Year of the Ox celebrations. Dozens are named. On another page, the list of top choices includes Cristom Vineyards Viognier 2007, Roederer Estate Brut NV, Egly-Ouriet Blanc de Noir NV, Charles Smith Wines 'Kung Fu Girl' Riesling 2007, Domaine Renardat-Fache Cerdon du Bugey NV, Domaine Josmeyer Pinot Gris 'Le Fromenteau' 2006, and Domaine Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim 2004.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on little-known wines worth trying. Examples are Maquis Lien 'Valle de Colchaua' 2005, and Murgo Etna Bianco.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Colman profiles Austrian vintner Christine Saahs and her biodynamically made wines.
Veritas in Vino: Wine blogger Alice Feiring on the Chardonnay wines of vintner Kevin Kelley.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson has nice things to say about Jimenz-Landi Sotorrondero Mentrida 2006.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov offers more thoughts on the wines of South Africa - particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir 2007.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Bloom Gewurztraminer 2006.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Grant Burge Shiraz 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Chateau de Puligny Montrachet 'Clos du Chateau' 2005.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers suggests a number of Viognier wines, but highest rated is Yalumba 'Y Series' 2007.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Francis Ford Coppola 'Votre Sante' Chardonnay 2007.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Graham Beck Brut Rose 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Boom Boom Columbia Valley Syrah 2007.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov offers lavish praise for Cabernet Sauvignon wines from South Africa. Top choice in tasting is De Trafford Stellenbosch 2004, while Bon Cap Robertson 2006 is noted for its value.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Malbec wines from Argentina. Lots to like in terms of style and value, with Altos Las Hormigas 2007 named best of the group (and cited also for its value). Trapiche 'Oak Cask' 2006 was also singled out for its value.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson on the 2007 vintage of Burgundy wines. A difficult year at best, with quotes from many notable producers, including Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends wines both over and under $20. Among the less expensive, the choices are from Clos de los Siete, Rutherford Hill, Peller Estates, and Attems. On the more expensive side, producers cited are Francis Ford Coppola, Talbott, Rust en Vrede, Gordon Brothers, and Michael-David.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on Port wines. Focus is on Croft wines, with comments on Croft Distinction Port.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Zinfandel wines from Dry Creek Valley. Rather modest ratings for most, but good ratings for Amphora 2006, Barber Cellars 'Mr. Beast' 2007, Hobo Treborce Vineyard 2007, Mazzocco West Dry Creek 2006, and Wilson Winery Tori Vineyard 2006.
San Francisco Chronicle: Staff writer Janet Fletcher profiles the p artners behind Anthill Farms wines and their sought-after Pinot Noirs. Tasting notes on several current and upcoming releases, including the Peter Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006, which is lauded for its delicacy.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Chris Macias on bargain wines. Cases in point are King Shag Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, and Di Majo Norante Sangiovese 2006.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on good wine values from Chile and Argentina. From Argentina, the Malbec wines from producers Bodega Tamari, Finca, Tercos, Diseno, Santa Julia,and Dona Paula are cited. Torrontes wines from Bodega Tamari and Andeluna are also praised. Carmenere wines of Chile that are recommended are from Espiritu de Chile, Oops, and De Martino. Other mentions include Sokol Blosser Evolution, Hayman & Hill Interchange 2007, and Peter Lehmann Layers 2008.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley picks the best wineries of 2008. Praise for Nickel & Nickel, Freestone Vineyards & Winery, Champagne Henriot, Veramonte, Truchard, Ojai Vineyard, and Prosecco producers Adami and Bisol.
Washington Post: Wine columnist Dave McIntyre on Sherry and Chinese cuisine. On another page, top recommendations are for Bodegas Hildago 'La Gitana' Manzanilla, Lustau 'Jarana' Fino, Alvear 'Carlos VII' Amontillado, Lustau 'Peninsula' Palo Cortado, Lustau 'Don Nuno' Oloroso, and Lustau 'Emilin' Moscatel.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the search for good value wines. Nice comments for McManis Family Vineyards Petite Sirah 2007. Also several bargain recommendations from a local Houston wine buyer, including selections from Flora Springs and La Crema.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on local wine tasting events. Wine focus this week is on Four Vines 'Naked' Chardonnay 2007.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on Riesling wines both sweet and dry. Recommended are Domaines Schlumberger 'Les Princes Abbeys' 2006, Dr. Fischer Steinbock 2007, Kilikanoon Watervale Mort's Block 2008, Dr. Thanisch Classic 2007, Dr. Pauly-Bergwiler Wehlener-Sonnenuhr Kabinett 2007, Clusserath-Weiler Trittenheimer Apotheke Spatlese 2007, and JJ Prum Graacher-Himmelreich Auslese 2007.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on wines from the Jorian Hill winery in Santa Barbara County. Praise for the Viognier and Syrah wines.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on fortified wines. Top choice is Yalumba Antique Tawny Port NV.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on wines to pair with Chinese foods for Year of the Ox celebrations. Dozens are named. On another page, the list of top choices includes Cristom Vineyards Viognier 2007, Roederer Estate Brut NV, Egly-Ouriet Blanc de Noir NV, Charles Smith Wines 'Kung Fu Girl' Riesling 2007, Domaine Renardat-Fache Cerdon du Bugey NV, Domaine Josmeyer Pinot Gris 'Le Fromenteau' 2006, and Domaine Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer Herrenweg de Turckheim 2004.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on little-known wines worth trying. Examples are Maquis Lien 'Valle de Colchaua' 2005, and Murgo Etna Bianco.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Colman profiles Austrian vintner Christine Saahs and her biodynamically made wines.
Veritas in Vino: Wine blogger Alice Feiring on the Chardonnay wines of vintner Kevin Kelley.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson has nice things to say about Jimenz-Landi Sotorrondero Mentrida 2006.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov offers more thoughts on the wines of South Africa - particularly Cabernet Sauvignon.
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