Wine Review Weekly
December 1, 2008
Beaujolais Nouveau gets a fairly good reception this year, with a fine overall review by wine writers Gaiter and Brecher in the Wall Street Journal. Others chime in with praise, including New York Times columnist Eric Asimov on his blog and Dan Berger in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. And we begin coverage this week of wine columnist Chris Macias, who (along with Rick Kushman) takes over at the Sacramento Bee for Mike Dunne, who retired this week. John Gillespi
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Sokol Blosser Meditrina Red Wine.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks River's Edge Pinot Noir 2007, Sineann 'Celilo Vineyard' Gewurztraminer 2007, and Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel 2006.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Francois Villard Viognier 'Les Contours de Deponcins' 2006.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Basciano Chianti Rufina 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Sokol Blosser Evolution.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Peter Lehmann Shiraz 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Lalla Gully Riesling 2007.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the return to respectability of Pouilly-Fuisse wines. Highest rated (and noted as best value) is Jean-Jacques Vincent & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse 'Marie Antoinette' 2006.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Beaujolais Nouveau. Generally positive comments on this year's offerings, with highest praise for Domaine Joel Rochette. Pascal Chatelus is noted as a good value.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson lists nearly a hundred wines recommended for holiday enjoyment. Only three California wines included - Dominus 2004, Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel 2006, and Teira Sonoma County Zinfandel 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti on beer this week, but with a nice comment at the end of the column on Jamesport Vineyards Late Harvest Rielsing 2007.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on wines for Thanksgiving. The chosen are Home Grown Farms 'Family Harvest Red' 2007, Porta Dos Cavaleiros Dao 2006, Chateau de Thulon Beaujolais Villages 2007, Waterbrook Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2006, and Ajello 'Majus' IGT Sicilia 2007.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne and the Chronicle wine writers offer their annual gift guide to wines in all price ranges. A very eclectic collection, with special praise for Scarecrow Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, and Iron Horse Vineyards Cuvee Joy!
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Chris Macias on Beaujolais Nouveau. Praise for entries from Georges Duboeuf, Domaine Dupeuble Pere et Fils, and Louis Tete.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on wines under $12. Dozens named, with multiple selections from Chateau Ste. Michelle, Dona Paula, Perrin, Smooking Loon, and Bogle.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on bargain wines. Recommended are Veramonte Primus 2005, Eberle 'Vineyard Selection' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Five Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Famiglia Bianchi Malbec 2006, Michel Picard Macon-Villages, Kenwood Chardonnay 2007, Loredona Pinot Grigio 2006, Simi Roseto 2007, Mumm Napa Valley Brut Prestige NV, and Bellussi Prosecco di Valdobbiadene 2007.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the quality evolution of Greek wines. Along the way, nice comment for Boutari Moschofilero 2007. Also, recommendation from local Houston wine buyer for J. Wilkes Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2007.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers suggests wines for Thanksgiving. Nice mentions for sparkling wines from Segura Viudas, Marques de Gelida, Louis Roederer, Pol Roger, Freixenet, Henriot, Pommery, and Duval-Leroy. Other recommendations incluce wines from Remy Panier, Gascon, Tamari, Huber, Schwarzbok, Laurenz und Sophie, Valle de la Purerta, and Alamos. Boxed wines named are from Black Box, Delicato, Three Thieves, Hardy's and Revelry Vintners. Dessert wines mentioned are from Banfi, Allegro, and Giulio Cocchi.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on wines from a local Phoenix retailer. Highest rated is Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on vintners Adam and Diana Lee and theri Siduri and Novy wines.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on a recent tasting of French wines. Recommended are Louis Jadot Macon-Villages 2006, Mommessin Pouilly-Fuisse 2007, Lucien Albracht Pinot Gris Cuvee Cecile 2005, Georges Duboeuf Chateas des Capitans Julienas 2007, Guigal Cotes du Rhone 2005, Chateau de Cruzeau Pessac-Leognan 2003, and Chateau de Rolland Sauternes 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon recommends four wines from Espiritu de Chile - the Gewurztraminer 2007, Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, and Carmenere 2007. Tasting note also on Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Alicante Boushet 2007.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wine columnist Dan Berger on Beaujolais Nouveau, with a nod to Georges Duboeuf.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on the Mission Hill Family Estate winery in British Columbia. Lots of nice things to say for the wines, especailly the SLC Syrah 2003, Oculus Red 2004, and SLC Riesling Ice Wine 2004.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Amarone wines. Top choice is Nicolis Ambrosan Amarone 2001.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines for Thanksgiving. The chosen are Baumard Cremant de Loire Rose Brut Extra NV, and Brick House Vineyards 'Ribbon Ridge' Select Pinot Noir 2007.
Vinography: Wine blogger Alder Yarrow has nice things to say about Jean Paul Thevenet 'Vieilles Vignes' Beaujolais Morgon 2006.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Coleman offers tasting notes on Barbera d'Alba wines from G. Conterno and Sandrone.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson recommends Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2003.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov on Beaujolais Nouveau, with praise for the entry from Domaine Joel Rochette.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Sokol Blosser Meditrina Red Wine.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks River's Edge Pinot Noir 2007, Sineann 'Celilo Vineyard' Gewurztraminer 2007, and Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel 2006.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Francois Villard Viognier 'Les Contours de Deponcins' 2006.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Basciano Chianti Rufina 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Sokol Blosser Evolution.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Peter Lehmann Shiraz 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Lalla Gully Riesling 2007.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the return to respectability of Pouilly-Fuisse wines. Highest rated (and noted as best value) is Jean-Jacques Vincent & Fils Pouilly-Fuisse 'Marie Antoinette' 2006.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on Beaujolais Nouveau. Generally positive comments on this year's offerings, with highest praise for Domaine Joel Rochette. Pascal Chatelus is noted as a good value.
Financial Times: Wine columnist Jancis Robinson lists nearly a hundred wines recommended for holiday enjoyment. Only three California wines included - Dominus 2004, Ridge Geyserville Zinfandel 2006, and Teira Sonoma County Zinfandel 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti on beer this week, but with a nice comment at the end of the column on Jamesport Vineyards Late Harvest Rielsing 2007.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on wines for Thanksgiving. The chosen are Home Grown Farms 'Family Harvest Red' 2007, Porta Dos Cavaleiros Dao 2006, Chateau de Thulon Beaujolais Villages 2007, Waterbrook Columbia Valley Chardonnay 2006, and Ajello 'Majus' IGT Sicilia 2007.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne and the Chronicle wine writers offer their annual gift guide to wines in all price ranges. A very eclectic collection, with special praise for Scarecrow Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, and Iron Horse Vineyards Cuvee Joy!
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Chris Macias on Beaujolais Nouveau. Praise for entries from Georges Duboeuf, Domaine Dupeuble Pere et Fils, and Louis Tete.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on wines under $12. Dozens named, with multiple selections from Chateau Ste. Michelle, Dona Paula, Perrin, Smooking Loon, and Bogle.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on bargain wines. Recommended are Veramonte Primus 2005, Eberle 'Vineyard Selection' Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Five Rivers Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Famiglia Bianchi Malbec 2006, Michel Picard Macon-Villages, Kenwood Chardonnay 2007, Loredona Pinot Grigio 2006, Simi Roseto 2007, Mumm Napa Valley Brut Prestige NV, and Bellussi Prosecco di Valdobbiadene 2007.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the quality evolution of Greek wines. Along the way, nice comment for Boutari Moschofilero 2007. Also, recommendation from local Houston wine buyer for J. Wilkes Bien Nacido Vineyard Pinot Blanc 2007.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers suggests wines for Thanksgiving. Nice mentions for sparkling wines from Segura Viudas, Marques de Gelida, Louis Roederer, Pol Roger, Freixenet, Henriot, Pommery, and Duval-Leroy. Other recommendations incluce wines from Remy Panier, Gascon, Tamari, Huber, Schwarzbok, Laurenz und Sophie, Valle de la Purerta, and Alamos. Boxed wines named are from Black Box, Delicato, Three Thieves, Hardy's and Revelry Vintners. Dessert wines mentioned are from Banfi, Allegro, and Giulio Cocchi.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on wines from a local Phoenix retailer. Highest rated is Patz & Hall Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on vintners Adam and Diana Lee and theri Siduri and Novy wines.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on a recent tasting of French wines. Recommended are Louis Jadot Macon-Villages 2006, Mommessin Pouilly-Fuisse 2007, Lucien Albracht Pinot Gris Cuvee Cecile 2005, Georges Duboeuf Chateas des Capitans Julienas 2007, Guigal Cotes du Rhone 2005, Chateau de Cruzeau Pessac-Leognan 2003, and Chateau de Rolland Sauternes 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon recommends four wines from Espiritu de Chile - the Gewurztraminer 2007, Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, and Carmenere 2007. Tasting note also on Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Alicante Boushet 2007.
Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Wine columnist Dan Berger on Beaujolais Nouveau, with a nod to Georges Duboeuf.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on the Mission Hill Family Estate winery in British Columbia. Lots of nice things to say for the wines, especailly the SLC Syrah 2003, Oculus Red 2004, and SLC Riesling Ice Wine 2004.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Amarone wines. Top choice is Nicolis Ambrosan Amarone 2001.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines for Thanksgiving. The chosen are Baumard Cremant de Loire Rose Brut Extra NV, and Brick House Vineyards 'Ribbon Ridge' Select Pinot Noir 2007.
Vinography: Wine blogger Alder Yarrow has nice things to say about Jean Paul Thevenet 'Vieilles Vignes' Beaujolais Morgon 2006.
Dr. Vino: Wine blogger Tyler Coleman offers tasting notes on Barbera d'Alba wines from G. Conterno and Sandrone.
JancisRobinson.com: Wine blogger Jancis Robinson recommends Il Poggione Brunello di Montalcino 2003.
The Pour: Wine blogger Eric Asimov on Beaujolais Nouveau, with praise for the entry from Domaine Joel Rochette.
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