Wine Review Weekly
November 19, 2007
The Thanksgiving wine selection frenzy hits it peak this week, with no consensus whatever as to type or varietal for the traditional feast. American wines - especially Zinfandel - no longer favored by many, and notables such as Eric Asimov in the New York Times once again raise the high alcohol issue. An exception is the preference for lesser-known American sparkling wines, expressed by columnists Gaiter and Brecher in the Wall Street Journal. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Four Graces Pinot Gris 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel 2005, Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay 2005, and Robert Mondavi Private Selection Vinetta 2005.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Adelsheim Auxerrois 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford chooses Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Rafael Bravo Reserva Pinot Noir 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Colme Torrontes.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Domaine Michel Lafarge Bourgogne Passetoutgrain 2004.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Jennifer Rosen suggests Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Baroncini Morellino di Scansano 'Le Mandoriae' 2005.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on Thanksgiving wines. Zinfandels rejected as too high in alcohol and the choices are mostly imports. Best comments are for Francois Chidaine Montlouis Sur Loire Clos du Breuil 2005, R. Lopez de Heredia Rioja Vina Gravonia 1996, and Eric Texier Cotes du Rhone Brezeme 2005. Best values are deemed to be Pine Ridge Clarksburg Chenin Blanc Viognier 2006, and Clos Roche Blanche Touraine L'Arpent Rouge 2006.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on small-production American sparkling wines. Nicest comments for offerings from Thomas Fogarty, Argyle, Domaine Meriwether, Pugliese Vineyards, Beacon Hill, and Tabor Hill.
Bloomberg News: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on wines from Western Australia. Focus is on Plantagenet Wines, Houghton, Ferngrove, and Whispering Hill.
New York Daily News: Staff writer Rachel Wharton on Thanksgiving wine selections from Josh Wesson at Best Cellars. Picks include Antonini Prosecco, Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2007, Trapiche Pinot Noir 2006, and De Bortoli Willowglen Tawny Port.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on Bordeaux wines from the properties of Gerard Perse. Highest rated is Chateau Pavie 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends many wines for Thanksgiving. Multiple selections from Schramsberg, Mumm, and Domaine Faiveley. Comments on other notables include offerings from Etude, Kendall-Jackson, Ponzi, Navarro, Clos Pegase, Cline, Seghesio, Ravenswood, and Louis Jadot.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Castello Banfi Col di Sasso 2006, and Gallo Family Vineyards Reserve Merlot 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Pinot Noir wines from Oregon. Highest rated is Cristom Jessie's Vineyard 2005.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne recommends Thanksgiving wines. Rieslings suggesed are from Annie's Lane, Pacific Rim, and J. Lohr. Pinot Noirs from Mossback, Morgan, and MacPhail are also recommended.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on Thanksgiving wines. Recommendations of Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling 2006, and Pinot Noirs from Meridian, De Loach, Cartlidge & Brown, Merry Edwards, Gloria Ferrer, Truchard, Irony, Calera, Willowbrook, and Argyle. Rhone varietal wines suggested are from Covey Run, Hahn Estates, Rex Goliath, Laetitia, Morgan, Clos LaChance, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Robert Hall, Tablas Creek, Testarosa, Austin Hope, and Zaca Mesa.
Los Angeles Times: Guest writer Patrick Comiskey on Thanksgiving wines. Dozens of types and varieties considerd, with nice brand mentions for J Vineyards, Roederer Estate, Dutton-Goldfield, Patz & Hall, Mondavi, Sinskey, Domaine Tempier, Tablas Creek, L'Ecole No. 41, Chateau Ste. Michelle, and others. On another page, Wine writer Irene Virbila suggests Chateau Thivin Cote de Brouilly 2006, Moric Blaufrankisch 2005, and Fortitude Luvisi Very Old Vine Zinfandel 2005.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley suggests wines for Thanksgiving. Top choices are Patz & Hall Napa Valley Chardonnay 2004, and Patz & Hall Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir 2005.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on alternatives for Thanksgiving wine and food pairings. On another page, tasting notes on St. Urbans-Hof Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett 2006, Rumball Sparkling Shiraz Coonawarra Cuvee SB17, Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut, Charles Krug Napa Valley Merlot 2004, and Bishop's Peak Edna Valley Syrah 2004.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford offers tasting notes on a number of Pedroncelli wines, with highest ratings for the Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Zinfandel Rose 2006, 'Three Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, 'Mother Clone' Zinfandel 2004, and Petite Sirah 2003.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on Greek wines. Highest praise for Gaia Estate Agiorgitiko 2003, and Rapsani Reserve 2002.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on wines for Thanksgiving. Highest rated is Zardetto Prosecco.
Dallas Morning News: Wine writer Kim Pierce on sparkling Shiraz wines. Case in point is Shingleback Black Bubbles NV. On another page, her recommendations for wines to give as gifts include Santa Carolina Merlot Reserva 2006, Jim Jim Shiraz 2006, Cartlidge & Brown Pinot Noir 2006, Maison Nicolas Reserve Chardonnay 2006, Tamas Pinot Grigio 2006, and Banrock Station Sparkling Chardonnay NV.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel on the weak U.S. dollar and rising imported wine prices. California wines, however, are not found to be a value alternative.
Denver Post: Wine columnistTara Q. Thomas on Thanksgiving wines. Dozens of mentions, with good comments for Dashe Zinfandel; sparkling wines from Charles Heidsieck, Gosset, Gruet, Bedel, and Yarden; Chardonnays from Qupe and Calera; Gewurztraminers from Albrecht, Deiss, and Weinbach, along with assorted others.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Beaujolais Nouveau.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wine alternatives for Thanksgiving. Highest recommendation goes to Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer 2006.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on white wines for Thanksgiving. Top choice is Covey Run Gewurztraminer 2006.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on wines for, well, you know. Top choice is Cortes de Cima Chamine Vinho Tinto 2005.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines with character. Cases in point are Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot d'Alsace 2005, and Domaine de la Pepiere 'Cuvee Granit' 2006.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Four Graces Pinot Gris 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel 2005, Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay 2005, and Robert Mondavi Private Selection Vinetta 2005.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Adelsheim Auxerrois 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford chooses Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Rafael Bravo Reserva Pinot Noir 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Colme Torrontes.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Domaine Michel Lafarge Bourgogne Passetoutgrain 2004.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Jennifer Rosen suggests Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Baroncini Morellino di Scansano 'Le Mandoriae' 2005.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on Thanksgiving wines. Zinfandels rejected as too high in alcohol and the choices are mostly imports. Best comments are for Francois Chidaine Montlouis Sur Loire Clos du Breuil 2005, R. Lopez de Heredia Rioja Vina Gravonia 1996, and Eric Texier Cotes du Rhone Brezeme 2005. Best values are deemed to be Pine Ridge Clarksburg Chenin Blanc Viognier 2006, and Clos Roche Blanche Touraine L'Arpent Rouge 2006.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on small-production American sparkling wines. Nicest comments for offerings from Thomas Fogarty, Argyle, Domaine Meriwether, Pugliese Vineyards, Beacon Hill, and Tabor Hill.
Bloomberg News: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on wines from Western Australia. Focus is on Plantagenet Wines, Houghton, Ferngrove, and Whispering Hill.
New York Daily News: Staff writer Rachel Wharton on Thanksgiving wine selections from Josh Wesson at Best Cellars. Picks include Antonini Prosecco, Simonsig Chenin Blanc 2007, Trapiche Pinot Noir 2006, and De Bortoli Willowglen Tawny Port.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on Bordeaux wines from the properties of Gerard Perse. Highest rated is Chateau Pavie 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends many wines for Thanksgiving. Multiple selections from Schramsberg, Mumm, and Domaine Faiveley. Comments on other notables include offerings from Etude, Kendall-Jackson, Ponzi, Navarro, Clos Pegase, Cline, Seghesio, Ravenswood, and Louis Jadot.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Castello Banfi Col di Sasso 2006, and Gallo Family Vineyards Reserve Merlot 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Pinot Noir wines from Oregon. Highest rated is Cristom Jessie's Vineyard 2005.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne recommends Thanksgiving wines. Rieslings suggesed are from Annie's Lane, Pacific Rim, and J. Lohr. Pinot Noirs from Mossback, Morgan, and MacPhail are also recommended.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on Thanksgiving wines. Recommendations of Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling 2006, and Pinot Noirs from Meridian, De Loach, Cartlidge & Brown, Merry Edwards, Gloria Ferrer, Truchard, Irony, Calera, Willowbrook, and Argyle. Rhone varietal wines suggested are from Covey Run, Hahn Estates, Rex Goliath, Laetitia, Morgan, Clos LaChance, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Robert Hall, Tablas Creek, Testarosa, Austin Hope, and Zaca Mesa.
Los Angeles Times: Guest writer Patrick Comiskey on Thanksgiving wines. Dozens of types and varieties considerd, with nice brand mentions for J Vineyards, Roederer Estate, Dutton-Goldfield, Patz & Hall, Mondavi, Sinskey, Domaine Tempier, Tablas Creek, L'Ecole No. 41, Chateau Ste. Michelle, and others. On another page, Wine writer Irene Virbila suggests Chateau Thivin Cote de Brouilly 2006, Moric Blaufrankisch 2005, and Fortitude Luvisi Very Old Vine Zinfandel 2005.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley suggests wines for Thanksgiving. Top choices are Patz & Hall Napa Valley Chardonnay 2004, and Patz & Hall Chenoweth Ranch Pinot Noir 2005.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on alternatives for Thanksgiving wine and food pairings. On another page, tasting notes on St. Urbans-Hof Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Kabinett 2006, Rumball Sparkling Shiraz Coonawarra Cuvee SB17, Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut, Charles Krug Napa Valley Merlot 2004, and Bishop's Peak Edna Valley Syrah 2004.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford offers tasting notes on a number of Pedroncelli wines, with highest ratings for the Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Zinfandel Rose 2006, 'Three Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, 'Mother Clone' Zinfandel 2004, and Petite Sirah 2003.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on Greek wines. Highest praise for Gaia Estate Agiorgitiko 2003, and Rapsani Reserve 2002.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on wines for Thanksgiving. Highest rated is Zardetto Prosecco.
Dallas Morning News: Wine writer Kim Pierce on sparkling Shiraz wines. Case in point is Shingleback Black Bubbles NV. On another page, her recommendations for wines to give as gifts include Santa Carolina Merlot Reserva 2006, Jim Jim Shiraz 2006, Cartlidge & Brown Pinot Noir 2006, Maison Nicolas Reserve Chardonnay 2006, Tamas Pinot Grigio 2006, and Banrock Station Sparkling Chardonnay NV.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel on the weak U.S. dollar and rising imported wine prices. California wines, however, are not found to be a value alternative.
Denver Post: Wine columnist
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Beaujolais Nouveau.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wine alternatives for Thanksgiving. Highest recommendation goes to Gundlach Bundschu Gewurztraminer 2006.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on white wines for Thanksgiving. Top choice is Covey Run Gewurztraminer 2006.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on wines for, well, you know. Top choice is Cortes de Cima Chamine Vinho Tinto 2005.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on wines with character. Cases in point are Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Pinot d'Alsace 2005, and Domaine de la Pepiere 'Cuvee Granit' 2006.
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