Wine Review Weekly
December 24, 2007
Much attention is paid to Champagnes and sparkling wines this week, with columns in the Dallas Morning News, Newsday, Arizona Republic, Miami Herald, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinal devoted to bubbly. Other holiday recommendations abound, with the most eclectic and upscale colletion coming from Elin McCoy of Bloomberg News. And a special wish from the editor's desk that all our subscribers and friends have holidays filled with joy, great wine, family, and friends. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Michael & David 'Earthquake' Syrah 2005.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Domaine Carneros Brut 2004.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford chooses Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rose of Sangiovese 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Domaine Philippe Delesvaux 'La Montee de l'Epine' Anjou 2005.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies recommends a book this week - Washington Wines and Wineries: The Essential Guide.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Jennifer Rosen suggests Windham Estate Bin 555 Sparkling Shiraz.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Kiss Chasey Premium White 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on wine books for gift-giving. Nice comments for the Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson update of The World Atlas of Wine, as well as others.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher list their top wine bargains of the year. Those recommended are Powers Winery Muscat Canelli 2006, Maddalena Vineayrds Muscat Canelli 2004, Torres de Anguix 'Barrica' Ribera del Duero 2003, Bodegas Muga Rose 2006, Toad Hollow Cellars 'Eye of the Toad' Pinot Noir Rose 2006, Chateau d'Oupia Rose 2006, Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Georges Duboeuf Julienas 2005, and Penfolds 'Koonunga Hill' Shiraz 2004.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on white wines from the Friuli region of Italy. Top rated is Scubla Sauvignon 2006.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on wines for gift-giving. The chosen are Cuvee William Deutz 1998, Larmandier-Bernier Brut Rose de Saignee NV, Domaine Georges Roumier Chambolle-Musign Les Cras 1995, Chateau La Conseillante 1990, Chateau Haut-Brion 1989, Didier Dagneau Pouilly-Fume Silex 2004, Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Sefano Riserva 1988, Trimbach Clos Ste. Hune Riesling 1999, Corison Kronos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, Clos du Val Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, Quinta do Noval Port 2000, and several Beaujolais wines from Nicholas Potel and Stephane Aviron.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends several Champagnes, including Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut (and Rose Sauvage), Charles Heidsieck But Reserve, Mumm Cordon Rouge, Nicolas Feuillatte Blue Label Brut (and Brut Blanc de Blancs 1998), Lanson Noble Cuvee Rose, Bollinger La Grande Annee 1999, and Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne 1999.
New York Sun: Wine columnist Peter Hellman on the quality evolution of Chilean wine. Nice comments for wines from Casa Marin, Veramonte, Cono Sur, and Errazuriz.
USA Today: Wine columnist < span style="font-weight: bold;">Jerry Shriver recommends Black Box Pinot Grigio 2006, Benziger Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Wine Cube Pinot Noir 2006, and Chateau Maris 'La Touge' Syrah 2005.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on Pol Roger Champagne, with praise for the Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill 1996.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg offers a dozen holiday wine suggestions from Cleveland area retailers.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan profiles winemaker Brett Jackson, of Valdivieso in Chile. Lots of nice comments, especially for the Caballo Loco.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on wines to pair with many Christmas dishes. Nice mention for Shea Wine Cellars Homer Pinot Noir. On another page, tasting notes on Bucci Verdicchio di Castelli di Jesi 2006, Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2006, Nigl Kremser Kremsleiten Riesling 2006, Pieropan Soave Classico Calvarino 2005, Cantina del Taburno Falanghina 2006, Frog's Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel 2005, Palmina Santa Barbara County Dolcetto 2006, Querciabella Mongrana Maremma Toscana 2005, Tablas Creek Vineyard 'Esprit de Beaucastel' 2005, Shaw & Smith Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2004, Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2006, and Bruno Verdi Oltrepo Pavese Sangue di Giuda Paradiso 2006.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on the Grenache wines judging at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition. Nice mentions for offerings from Holly's Hill Vineyards, Domaine de la Terre Rouge, and Lavender Ridge Vineyards in California, but top medals go to Australians - Burge Family Winemakers Clochmerle 2004, and Grant Burge Wines Holy Trinity 2002.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on winemaking and technology, as featured in a PBS series. Examined are practices at Clos de la Tech and Havens Wine Cellars.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines to enjoy with roasts of all kinds. Nice comments for Kaesler 'The Bogan' Shiraz 2005, Champagne Pommery Royal Apanage Brut NV, Talbott Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Cuvee Carlotta Chardonnay 2004, Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2005, Stag's Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, and Bernard Magrez Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004. On another page, tasting notes on Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose NV, Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Corison Kronos Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Charles Krug Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, and Barboursville Vineyards Octagon 2004.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford profiles Sandeman and their sherry wines. On another page, praise for the wines, especially the Royal Corregidor Oloroso.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on boxed wine for parties. Recommended is Killer Juice Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers suggestions of wines to bring to holiday parties. Recommended are Sofia by Francis Ford Coppola, Piper-Heidsieck Brut, Pommery 'Pop' Brut, and Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut.
Dallas Morning News: Wine writer Tina Danze reports on the tasting panel's selections of holiday sparkling wines. The winners are Chandon Brut Classic, Col di Luna Rose di Valmonte Prosecco, Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut, Foss Marai Extra Dry Prosecco, Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Blanc de Blancs, Carpene Malvolti Prosecco di Conegliano, Segura Viudas Brut Reserva, and Roederer Estate Brut.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on sparkling wines for holiday enjoyment. Those recommended include offerings from Freixenet, Gloria Ferrer, Hardys, Yarden, Greg Norman, Santa Margherita, Zonin, Banfi, Schramsberg, Roederer Estate, and Domaine Carneros.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker recommends dozens of sparkling wines for the holidays. Highest ratings given to offerings from all the top Champagne houses, plus Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc 2004, Mumm Napa Reserve Brut NV, and Korbel Natural NV.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on wines for gift-giving. Highest rated is Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2004.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on white Burgundy wines. Top ratings go to Vincent Dancer Meursault Les Corbins 2005, Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Folatieres 2005, and Paul Garaudet Meursault Vieilles Vignes 2004.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on special wines for the holidays. Recommended are Argyle 'Knudsen Vineyard Brut 1999, Gruet Blanc de Noir NV, Muscadet 'Clos des Briords' 2006, Masi Campofiorin 2004, and Brezza Barolo Bricco Sarmassa 2001.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Michael & David 'Earthquake' Syrah 2005.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects Domaine Carneros Brut 2004.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford chooses Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rose of Sangiovese 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Domaine Philippe Delesvaux 'La Montee de l'Epine' Anjou 2005.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies recommends a book this week - Washington Wines and Wineries: The Essential Guide.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Jennifer Rosen suggests Windham Estate Bin 555 Sparkling Shiraz.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Kiss Chasey Premium White 2006.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on wine books for gift-giving. Nice comments for the Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson update of The World Atlas of Wine, as well as others.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher list their top wine bargains of the year. Those recommended are Powers Winery Muscat Canelli 2006, Maddalena Vineayrds Muscat Canelli 2004, Torres de Anguix 'Barrica' Ribera del Duero 2003, Bodegas Muga Rose 2006, Toad Hollow Cellars 'Eye of the Toad' Pinot Noir Rose 2006, Chateau d'Oupia Rose 2006, Geyser Peak Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Georges Duboeuf Julienas 2005, and Penfolds 'Koonunga Hill' Shiraz 2004.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on white wines from the Friuli region of Italy. Top rated is Scubla Sauvignon 2006.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on wines for gift-giving. The chosen are Cuvee William Deutz 1998, Larmandier-Bernier Brut Rose de Saignee NV, Domaine Georges Roumier Chambolle-Musign Les Cras 1995, Chateau La Conseillante 1990, Chateau Haut-Brion 1989, Didier Dagneau Pouilly-Fume Silex 2004, Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Sefano Riserva 1988, Trimbach Clos Ste. Hune Riesling 1999, Corison Kronos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, Clos du Val Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2001, Quinta do Noval Port 2000, and several Beaujolais wines from Nicholas Potel and Stephane Aviron.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends several Champagnes, including Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut (and Rose Sauvage), Charles Heidsieck But Reserve, Mumm Cordon Rouge, Nicolas Feuillatte Blue Label Brut (and Brut Blanc de Blancs 1998), Lanson Noble Cuvee Rose, Bollinger La Grande Annee 1999, and Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne 1999.
New York Sun: Wine columnist Peter Hellman on the quality evolution of Chilean wine. Nice comments for wines from Casa Marin, Veramonte, Cono Sur, and Errazuriz.
USA Today: Wine columnist < span style="font-weight: bold;">Jerry Shriver recommends Black Box Pinot Grigio 2006, Benziger Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Wine Cube Pinot Noir 2006, and Chateau Maris 'La Touge' Syrah 2005.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on Pol Roger Champagne, with praise for the Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill 1996.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg offers a dozen holiday wine suggestions from Cleveland area retailers.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan profiles winemaker Brett Jackson, of Valdivieso in Chile. Lots of nice comments, especially for the Caballo Loco.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on wines to pair with many Christmas dishes. Nice mention for Shea Wine Cellars Homer Pinot Noir. On another page, tasting notes on Bucci Verdicchio di Castelli di Jesi 2006, Kerpen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2006, Nigl Kremser Kremsleiten Riesling 2006, Pieropan Soave Classico Calvarino 2005, Cantina del Taburno Falanghina 2006, Frog's Leap Napa Valley Zinfandel 2005, Palmina Santa Barbara County Dolcetto 2006, Querciabella Mongrana Maremma Toscana 2005, Tablas Creek Vineyard 'Esprit de Beaucastel' 2005, Shaw & Smith Adelaide Hills Shiraz 2004, Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Acqui 2006, and Bruno Verdi Oltrepo Pavese Sangue di Giuda Paradiso 2006.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on the Grenache wines judging at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo International Wine Competition. Nice mentions for offerings from Holly's Hill Vineyards, Domaine de la Terre Rouge, and Lavender Ridge Vineyards in California, but top medals go to Australians - Burge Family Winemakers Clochmerle 2004, and Grant Burge Wines Holy Trinity 2002.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on winemaking and technology, as featured in a PBS series. Examined are practices at Clos de la Tech and Havens Wine Cellars.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines to enjoy with roasts of all kinds. Nice comments for Kaesler 'The Bogan' Shiraz 2005, Champagne Pommery Royal Apanage Brut NV, Talbott Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Cuvee Carlotta Chardonnay 2004, Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2005, Stag's Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, and Bernard Magrez Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004. On another page, tasting notes on Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose NV, Corison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Corison Kronos Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Charles Krug Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, and Barboursville Vineyards Octagon 2004.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford profiles Sandeman and their sherry wines. On another page, praise for the wines, especially the Royal Corregidor Oloroso.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on boxed wine for parties. Recommended is Killer Juice Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers suggestions of wines to bring to holiday parties. Recommended are Sofia by Francis Ford Coppola, Piper-Heidsieck Brut, Pommery 'Pop' Brut, and Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut.
Dallas Morning News: Wine writer Tina Danze reports on the tasting panel's selections of holiday sparkling wines. The winners are Chandon Brut Classic, Col di Luna Rose di Valmonte Prosecco, Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut, Foss Marai Extra Dry Prosecco, Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace Blanc de Blancs, Carpene Malvolti Prosecco di Conegliano, Segura Viudas Brut Reserva, and Roederer Estate Brut.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on sparkling wines for holiday enjoyment. Those recommended include offerings from Freixenet, Gloria Ferrer, Hardys, Yarden, Greg Norman, Santa Margherita, Zonin, Banfi, Schramsberg, Roederer Estate, and Domaine Carneros.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker recommends dozens of sparkling wines for the holidays. Highest ratings given to offerings from all the top Champagne houses, plus Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc 2004, Mumm Napa Reserve Brut NV, and Korbel Natural NV.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on wines for gift-giving. Highest rated is Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2004.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on white Burgundy wines. Top ratings go to Vincent Dancer Meursault Les Corbins 2005, Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Les Folatieres 2005, and Paul Garaudet Meursault Vieilles Vignes 2004.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on special wines for the holidays. Recommended are Argyle 'Knudsen Vineyard Brut 1999, Gruet Blanc de Noir NV, Muscadet 'Clos des Briords' 2006, Masi Campofiorin 2004, and Brezza Barolo Bricco Sarmassa 2001.
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