Wine Review Weekly
December 10, 2007
Lots of holiday wine recommendations this week, with Port wines and Champagnes often in the spotlight. The San Francisco Chronicle tasting panel reviews Tawny Port wines, while wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenberg of the Washington Post offer tasting notes on several Champagnes and dessert wines. Also, nice comments in several columns for wines from Colome Estate, in Argentina. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Luna Pinot Grigio 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks ten holiday wines this week. They are Hogue Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Astoria Prosecco di Valdobbiadne 2006, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Merlot 2004, Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs 2004, Colome Estate Malbec 2005, Duval-Leroy Blanc de Chardonnay 1998, Olivier Leflaive Les Deux Rives Chablis 2005, Michael and David Petite Petit Lodi 2005, Bogle Vineyards Phantom 2004, and Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford chooses Tres Picos Garnacha 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Pazo de Senorans Albarino Rias Baixas 2006.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Cavia Reserve Malbec.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers has nice comments for Tikal 'Amorio' Malbec 2006.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel suggests Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2002.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Laxas Albarino Rias Baixas 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the rising prices of European wines. Comments from Bill Deutsch, Gary Vaynerchuk, and other notables. Nice comment for Bogle wines.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on the growing popularity of half bottles of wine. Recommendations for Loimer Gruner Veltliner 2004, Olivier Leflaive Chablis 'Les Deux Rives' 2004, Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2005, Blanc de Lynch-Bages 2003, August Kesseler Rheingau Spatburgunder Trocken 'Cuvee Max' 2003, Isabel Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Chateau Lynch-Bages 2004, Domaine Henri Perrot-Minot Gevrey Chambertin 2005, Von Strasser 'Sori Bricco Vineyard' 2001, Michele Chiarlo 'Tortoniano' Barolo 2001, Cristom Vineyards 'Louise Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2004, and Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2001.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends dozens of wines for holiday entertaining and gift-giving. Notable producers mentioned include Shafer Vineyards, Sequoia Grove, Ravenswood, Patz & Hall, Krug, Ferrari-Carano, Mollydooker, Bernard Magrez, Louis Jadot, Hugel et Fils, Angelo Gaja, Etude, Duckhorn, Dry Creek Vineyard, Joseph Drouhin, Concha y Toro, Chappellet, M. Chapoutier, Caymus Vineyards, Castello Banfi, Beringer, and Beaulieu Vineyards.
New York Sun: Wine columnist Peter Hellman on holiday gifts. Mostly books and glassware.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Arrogant Frog Pinot Noir 2005, and R Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on the Fontanafredda wine estate in Italy. Best comments for the Barolo Vigna La Rosa 2000.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan on cru Beaujolais. Favorites from Georges Duboeuf are Fleurie Domaine des Quatre Vents 2006, Moulin-a-Vent 2005, Julienas 'La Trinquee' 2005, and Morgon Jean Descombes 2005. From Joseph Drouhin, the recommended wines are Julienas 2005, and Brouilly 2005. And from Georges Trichard, the selections are Chenas 2005, and Saint-Amour 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Tawny Port wines. Highest ratings are for Taylor-Fladgate 40 Year Old Tawny Porto, and Delaforce Colheita Tawny Porto 1986.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne profiles Josh Jensen of Calera, named Winemaker of the Year by the Chronicle for 2007. On the main wine page, links to profiles of 'Five Winemakers to Watch.'
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on books for wine lovers. Many reviewed, with very nice comment for Karen MacNeil's Wine Bible, the revised Oxford Companion to Wine, and Desert Island Wine, by Miles Lambert-Gocs.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on wine books for holiday gift-giving. Many are reviewed, with nice comments for a new offering by Eric Arnold, and the updated World Atlas of Wine, among others.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on Port. Many mentioned, with nice comments for Graham's Six Grapes, and Fonseca Bin 27.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs on gifts for wine lovers. Mostly gadgets, but nice comments for Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs 2000.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on holiday gifts for wine lovers. On another page, tasting notes on gift wines, including Nicolas Feuillatte 'Palmes d'Or' Champagne 1997, Mumm Napa Reserve Brut NV, Mumm Napa Brut Prestige NV, La Face Cachee de la Pomme Neige Ice Cider, Kluge Estate Cru NV, and Jackson-Triggs Proprietor's Reserve Vidal Ice Wine 2005.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford on a disappointing number of Merlot wines at the recent Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition. On another page, the list of those judged as poor includes offerings from LightCatcher, Strata Vineyards, Chateau Ste. Michelle, DeLoach, and Kenwood.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell on wines for holiday gift-giving. Highest rated are Nicolas Feuillatte Brut, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Belleruche Cotes du Rhone Rose 2006, and Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Contributor Louise Owens on wine and spirits gifts. Recommendation for Krug Grande Cuvee Hatbox.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on the Cloudy Bay winery in New Zealand. Nice comments for Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007, and Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2004.
Nashvi lle Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on bargain white wines. Top choices are Redheads Studio Yard Dog White 2005, and Francis Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio 2006.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on Bordeaux varietal (or Meritage) wines. Most highly recommended are BV Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (and 1995), BV Tapestry 2003, Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Turnbull Black Label 2004, and Benziger Tribute 2003.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on new red wines. Recommended are Hedges Family Estate Three Vineyards 'Red Mountain' 2004, and Colome Estate Malbec 2005.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Luna Pinot Grigio 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks ten holiday wines this week. They are Hogue Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Astoria Prosecco di Valdobbiadne 2006, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Merlot 2004, Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs 2004, Colome Estate Malbec 2005, Duval-Leroy Blanc de Chardonnay 1998, Olivier Leflaive Les Deux Rives Chablis 2005, Michael and David Petite Petit Lodi 2005, Bogle Vineyards Phantom 2004, and Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford chooses Tres Picos Garnacha 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Pazo de Senorans Albarino Rias Baixas 2006.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2004.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Cavia Reserve Malbec.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers has nice comments for Tikal 'Amorio' Malbec 2006.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Wine writer Jeff Siegel suggests Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva 2002.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Laxas Albarino Rias Baixas 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the rising prices of European wines. Comments from Bill Deutsch, Gary Vaynerchuk, and other notables. Nice comment for Bogle wines.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on the growing popularity of half bottles of wine. Recommendations for Loimer Gruner Veltliner 2004, Olivier Leflaive Chablis 'Les Deux Rives' 2004, Patz & Hall Dutton Ranch Chardonnay 2005, Blanc de Lynch-Bages 2003, August Kesseler Rheingau Spatburgunder Trocken 'Cuvee Max' 2003, Isabel Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Chateau Lynch-Bages 2004, Domaine Henri Perrot-Minot Gevrey Chambertin 2005, Von Strasser 'Sori Bricco Vineyard' 2001, Michele Chiarlo 'Tortoniano' Barolo 2001, Cristom Vineyards 'Louise Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2004, and Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2001.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends dozens of wines for holiday entertaining and gift-giving. Notable producers mentioned include Shafer Vineyards, Sequoia Grove, Ravenswood, Patz & Hall, Krug, Ferrari-Carano, Mollydooker, Bernard Magrez, Louis Jadot, Hugel et Fils, Angelo Gaja, Etude, Duckhorn, Dry Creek Vineyard, Joseph Drouhin, Concha y Toro, Chappellet, M. Chapoutier, Caymus Vineyards, Castello Banfi, Beringer, and Beaulieu Vineyards.
New York Sun: Wine columnist Peter Hellman on holiday gifts. Mostly books and glassware.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Arrogant Frog Pinot Noir 2005, and R Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on the Fontanafredda wine estate in Italy. Best comments for the Barolo Vigna La Rosa 2000.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan on cru Beaujolais. Favorites from Georges Duboeuf are Fleurie Domaine des Quatre Vents 2006, Moulin-a-Vent 2005, Julienas 'La Trinquee' 2005, and Morgon Jean Descombes 2005. From Joseph Drouhin, the recommended wines are Julienas 2005, and Brouilly 2005. And from Georges Trichard, the selections are Chenas 2005, and Saint-Amour 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Tawny Port wines. Highest ratings are for Taylor-Fladgate 40 Year Old Tawny Porto, and Delaforce Colheita Tawny Porto 1986.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne profiles Josh Jensen of Calera, named Winemaker of the Year by the Chronicle for 2007. On the main wine page, links to profiles of 'Five Winemakers to Watch.'
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on books for wine lovers. Many reviewed, with very nice comment for Karen MacNeil's Wine Bible, the revised Oxford Companion to Wine, and Desert Island Wine, by Miles Lambert-Gocs.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on wine books for holiday gift-giving. Many are reviewed, with nice comments for a new offering by Eric Arnold, and the updated World Atlas of Wine, among others.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on Port. Many mentioned, with nice comments for Graham's Six Grapes, and Fonseca Bin 27.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs on gifts for wine lovers. Mostly gadgets, but nice comments for Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs 2000.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on holiday gifts for wine lovers. On another page, tasting notes on gift wines, including Nicolas Feuillatte 'Palmes d'Or' Champagne 1997, Mumm Napa Reserve Brut NV, Mumm Napa Brut Prestige NV, La Face Cachee de la Pomme Neige Ice Cider, Kluge Estate Cru NV, and Jackson-Triggs Proprietor's Reserve Vidal Ice Wine 2005.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford on a disappointing number of Merlot wines at the recent Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition. On another page, the list of those judged as poor includes offerings from LightCatcher, Strata Vineyards, Chateau Ste. Michelle, DeLoach, and Kenwood.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell on wines for holiday gift-giving. Highest rated are Nicolas Feuillatte Brut, Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Belleruche Cotes du Rhone Rose 2006, and Kermit Lynch Cotes du Rhone 2005.
Dallas Morning News: Contributor Louise Owens on wine and spirits gifts. Recommendation for Krug Grande Cuvee Hatbox.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on the Cloudy Bay winery in New Zealand. Nice comments for Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007, and Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2004.
Nashvi lle Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on bargain white wines. Top choices are Redheads Studio Yard Dog White 2005, and Francis Coppola Bianco Pinot Grigio 2006.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on Bordeaux varietal (or Meritage) wines. Most highly recommended are BV Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (and 1995), BV Tapestry 2003, Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Turnbull Black Label 2004, and Benziger Tribute 2003.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on new red wines. Recommended are Hedges Family Estate Three Vineyards 'Red Mountain' 2004, and Colome Estate Malbec 2005.
SHARE »
