Wine Review Weekly

 

January 28, 2008

January 2008
 
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More fuel thrown on the high alcohol wine issue this week by Robert Whitley of the San Diego Union Tribune, who asked readers to weigh in and publishes many responses - nearly all in opposition to superchaged California wines. In the Washington Post, writers Dornenburg and Page find many ecclectic pairings of wines with Asian cuisine. And Bill Ward, writing in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, offers a fine profile of vintner Kent Rosenblum and his wines.  John Gillespie

Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Hugel 'Cuvee Les Amours' Pinot Blanc 2005.

Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2006.

Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs selects J. Hofstatter Lagrein 2005.

Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Charles Joguet Chinon 'Les Varennes du Grand Clos' 2005.

Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Umani Ronchi Exclamation Sangiovese 2006.

South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Two Brothers Big Tattoo Red.

Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends St. James Winery Strawberry Wine - tasted at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks King Estate Pinot Gris Vin Glace 2005.

New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Napa Valley selling for $50 or less. Not much enthusiasm for the group, but praise for the favorite - W.H. Smith Piedra Hill Vineyard Purple Label, while Rombauer Napa Valley 2004 is cited for value.

Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on their upcoming 'open that bottle' night. Nice mentions for Dom Perignon, Roederer Estate, Corbett Canyon, and others.

Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on wines from Bodega Achaval-Ferrer in Argentina, with tasting notes by Parker colleague Jay Miller. Highest rated is the Malbec Finca Altamira 2004.

Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist John Mariani on Meritage wines. Comments from Michaela Rodeno of St. Supery, and priase for St. Supery Elu 2004.

Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti offers lengthy list of Italian wines to pair with every conceivable Italian dish. Many wine types and varietals are covered, but no brand recommendations are made.

USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Herding Cats Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2007, Beaulieu Vineyard Coastal Estates Riesling 2006, and Now & Zen 'Wasabi' White Wine 2006.

Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer T.J. Foderaro on alternative closures. Nice mention for PlumpJack winery.

San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Riesling wines from Austria. Dozens are praised, but highest marks go to Weinrieder Pysdorfer Schneiderberg Weinviertel Eiswein 2002, and Leth Felser Weinberge Lanenreserve Wagram-Donauland 2006. Easier to drink than say.

San Francisco Chronicle: Staff writer Amanda Gold profiles grower and vintner Larry Hyde and his Hyde de Villaine wines. Nice comments from notables such as James Hall of Patz & Hall, and praise from a number of HdV wines, including Belle Cousine Napa Valley Red 2004, Carneros Syrah 2005, Los Carneros Chardonnay 2005, and De la Guerra Los Carneros Chardonnay 2006.

Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne profiles vintners Chris Matheny and Layne Montgomery of M2 Wines. Nice comments for the M2 Soucie Vineyard Zinfandel 2004.

San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on tasting Viognier wines at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Nice comments for the Martella 2006, Anglim Fralich Vineyard 2005, Curtis 2006, and Bridelewood Central Coast REserve 2006. Also, list of notable medal winners includes Savannah-Chanelle Vineyards Pinot Noir 2005, Concannon Limited Release Pinot Noir 2005, Clos la Chance Buff Bellied Zinfandel 2005, and Thomas Fogarty Santa Cruz Mountains Chardonnay 2005.

San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley offers reader reaction to his stance against high alcohol California wines - overwhelming sentiment supporting Whitley on this one, with several letters placing the blame on Robert Parker.

Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines to enjoy with Asian cuisine. Notes on offerings from Rudolf Muller, Kunde Estate, Pertinace, TAZ, Gruet, and Taittinger, but favorites are MacRostie Carneros Pinot Noir 2004 (and 2005), and Sokol Blosser Evolution 11th Edition.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on the wines of Alsace. Top choice in tasting is Domaine Hering Pinot Gris 2005. Nice comments also on offerings from Willm, and Riefle Bonheur.

Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Jennifer Rosen offers a collection of wine trivia this week.

South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Armagnac this week.

Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on a line of wines bearing the name of Dan Marino which support the caritable work of the Dan Marino Foundation.

Minneapolis Star-Tribune: Wine columnist Bill Ward profiles vintner Kent Rosenblum. Nice comment for Chateau La Paws Cote du Bone Roan 2005, from Rosenblum Cellars.

Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on Italian wines. Focus is on leading red and white varietals, without brand mentions.
 
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