Wine Review Weekly
April 7, 2008
If great minds think alike, then at least a dozen wine columnists are geniuses this week for simultaneously writing columns on bargain wines for recession-wary consumers. Notable among these are suggestions from Peter Gianotti at Newsday, Laurie Daniel of the San Jose Mercury News, and Paul Lukacs of the Washington Times. In the New York Times, columnist Eric Asimov, who finds most California Pinot Noir wines overblown and unattractive, has many words of praise for several Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley. And columnists Gaiter and Brecher, in the Wall Street Journal, recommend several kosher wines from around the globe. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Wild Horse Pinot Noir 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Breggo Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Byron Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2006.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Domaine Catherine le Goeuil Cuvee Lea Felsch 2005.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan suggests Truchard Carneros Syrah 2003.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Barkan Israel Classic Pinotage 2004.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Riserva 2003.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on Pinot Noir wines from the Russian River Valley. Unlike many of the overblown and oaky offerings he finds typical of California, praise is given to a number from the Russian River Valley with more elegance. Top choice is DeLoach OFS 2005, while Mia's Playground 2006 is deemed a value.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on kosher wines. Top Cabernet Sauvignon is Orna 'Riserva' Galilee 2005, while Alfasi Valle de Maule 2005 is cited for value. Among the Chardonnay wines, Ella Valley Vineyards Israel 2005 is deemed best, while Terroso Valle del Maule Chile 2007 is praised as a value.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on the wines of Vacqueyras. Top rated is Sang des Cailloux Cuvee de Lopy 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends bargain wines. The choices are Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel 2006, Solaire Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 and Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2006, Trivento Select Torrontes 2007, Leasingham Magnus Riesling 2006 and Shiraz 2006, Hardy's Stamp of Australia Chardonnay 2006 and Merlot 2006, and Ca'Luca Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
New York Sun: Wine columnist Peter Hellman on New York restaurants offering relative value in wines by the glass. Nice mentions for Pascal Jolivet Sancerre, Chateau La Fleur Peyrabon 1999, Domaine l'Ameillaud Vaucluse 2005, and a few other eclectic choices.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Rosemount Estate Diamond Label Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Wente 'Morning Fog' Chardonnay 2006, and Crane Lake Sangiovese 2005.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer TJ Foderaro on surprising wines available in sports arenas. Nice mentions for Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Tignanello 2003, Sauvignon Blanc wines from Simi and Brander, Peter Lehmann Shiraz, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, and Domaine Ste. Michelle. In another context, praise for the wines coming from Brassfield Estate.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews kosher wines. Highest recommendations go to Segal's Special Reserve Galilee Heights Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Hagafen Devoto Vineyards Lake County White Riesling 2007, Goose Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006, and Bartenura Provincia di Pavia Moscato 2007.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on wines from the Fiddletown AVA. In a tasting competition, the top awards went to Speed Vineyard Shady Lady Primitivo 2005, Il Gioiello Winery Barbera 2006, and Scott Harvey Wines Amador County Mountain Selection Syrah 2005.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on wines for less than $15. Several dozen are mentioned, with multiple selections from McWilliam's Hanwood Estate, Corbett Canyon, and Chateau Ste. Michelle.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on bargain wi nes. Reliable producers recommended are Gallo Family Vineyards, Hahn Estates, J. Lohr, Ventana Vineyards, and Concannon Vineyards. In the 'Tasting Notes' section of the column, a high rating is given to Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2006.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs on wine bargains. Choices are Alsatian Pinot Blancs from Jean-Luc Mader, J.B. Adam, and Hugel. Malbecs from El Portillo, Dolium, Terrazas de los Andes, and Los Cardos are recommended, as are Chilean Cabernets from Miguel Torres, Cohcha y Toro, and Santa Rita. From the Costieres de Nimes the choices come from Chateau Mas Neuf, Mas Carlot, and Mas de Guiot. Beaujolais wines from Drouhin, Thivin, and Laurent Martray are also suggested, as are Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines from Villa Bizzarri, Quattro Mani, and La Valentina. Puglia wines from Taurino, A Mano, and Tormaresca are also favored, and from South Africa, the Sauvignon Blancs of Neil Ellis, Southern Right, Man, and Porcupine Ridge are given a nod. For Spanish Cava, the selections are from Segura Viudas, and in the Unoaked Chardonnay category, the choices come from Yalumba, Brampton, and Domaine de Bernier.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on Pinot Noir. Nice mentions for Lynmar Russian River Valley 2005, Freeman Russian River VAlley 2006, Maison Chanson Bourgogne 2005, and several from Etude. Karen's top choice is Etude Carneros Pinot Noir 2005 (and 2006), while Andrew favors Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Pinot Noir 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the wines of Penna Luigi & Figli. Praise for the Barbera d'Alba 'Perpetua' 2004, Dolcetta d'Alba 'Galante Superiore' and Barbera d'Alba 'N'Giolina.'
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers offers tips for wine touring. Links to numerous wine region sites are offered, including those of Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Willamette Valley, and others.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on affordable wines. Highest rated is Uvaggio Vermentino 2006. Also, praise for two wines from Arizona - Caduceus 'Primer Paso' 2005, and Page Springs Cellars 'Vino de la Familia' 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Staff writer Tina Danze on the Dark Horse winery in Sonoma County. Praise for Dark Horse Treborce Vneyard Zinfandel 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Albarino wines. Recommended are Brandal Albarino 2006, and Adegas D'Altamira Albarino 2006. Also recommended is Tourino Tinto Figuero 4.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wines from Sonoma County. Highly recommended are three from Rodney Strong - the 'Jane's Vineyard' Reserve Pinot Noir 2005, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2005, and 'Symmetry' Red Meritage 2005. On another page, recommendation of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007 as a bargain.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on blended red wines. Highest recommendation is for Peirano 'The Other' Red Blend Lodi 2006.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on new wine discoveries. Cases in point are Cameron Winery 'Giuliano' 2007, and Bodega Enrique Foster Ique Malbec 2007.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Wild Horse Pinot Noir 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Breggo Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Byron Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir 2006.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Domaine Catherine le Goeuil Cuvee Lea Felsch 2005.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan suggests Truchard Carneros Syrah 2003.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Barkan Israel Classic Pinotage 2004.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Riserva 2003.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on Pinot Noir wines from the Russian River Valley. Unlike many of the overblown and oaky offerings he finds typical of California, praise is given to a number from the Russian River Valley with more elegance. Top choice is DeLoach OFS 2005, while Mia's Playground 2006 is deemed a value.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on kosher wines. Top Cabernet Sauvignon is Orna 'Riserva' Galilee 2005, while Alfasi Valle de Maule 2005 is cited for value. Among the Chardonnay wines, Ella Valley Vineyards Israel 2005 is deemed best, while Terroso Valle del Maule Chile 2007 is praised as a value.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on the wines of Vacqueyras. Top rated is Sang des Cailloux Cuvee de Lopy 2005.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti recommends bargain wines. The choices are Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel 2006, Solaire Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 and Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay 2006, Trivento Select Torrontes 2007, Leasingham Magnus Riesling 2006 and Shiraz 2006, Hardy's Stamp of Australia Chardonnay 2006 and Merlot 2006, and Ca'Luca Sauvignon Blanc 2007.
New York Sun: Wine columnist Peter Hellman on New York restaurants offering relative value in wines by the glass. Nice mentions for Pascal Jolivet Sancerre, Chateau La Fleur Peyrabon 1999, Domaine l'Ameillaud Vaucluse 2005, and a few other eclectic choices.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Rosemount Estate Diamond Label Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Wente 'Morning Fog' Chardonnay 2006, and Crane Lake Sangiovese 2005.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer TJ Foderaro on surprising wines available in sports arenas. Nice mentions for Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Tignanello 2003, Sauvignon Blanc wines from Simi and Brander, Peter Lehmann Shiraz, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, and Domaine Ste. Michelle. In another context, praise for the wines coming from Brassfield Estate.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews kosher wines. Highest recommendations go to Segal's Special Reserve Galilee Heights Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Hagafen Devoto Vineyards Lake County White Riesling 2007, Goose Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006, and Bartenura Provincia di Pavia Moscato 2007.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on wines from the Fiddletown AVA. In a tasting competition, the top awards went to Speed Vineyard Shady Lady Primitivo 2005, Il Gioiello Winery Barbera 2006, and Scott Harvey Wines Amador County Mountain Selection Syrah 2005.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on wines for less than $15. Several dozen are mentioned, with multiple selections from McWilliam's Hanwood Estate, Corbett Canyon, and Chateau Ste. Michelle.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on bargain wi nes. Reliable producers recommended are Gallo Family Vineyards, Hahn Estates, J. Lohr, Ventana Vineyards, and Concannon Vineyards. In the 'Tasting Notes' section of the column, a high rating is given to Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2006.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs on wine bargains. Choices are Alsatian Pinot Blancs from Jean-Luc Mader, J.B. Adam, and Hugel. Malbecs from El Portillo, Dolium, Terrazas de los Andes, and Los Cardos are recommended, as are Chilean Cabernets from Miguel Torres, Cohcha y Toro, and Santa Rita. From the Costieres de Nimes the choices come from Chateau Mas Neuf, Mas Carlot, and Mas de Guiot. Beaujolais wines from Drouhin, Thivin, and Laurent Martray are also suggested, as are Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wines from Villa Bizzarri, Quattro Mani, and La Valentina. Puglia wines from Taurino, A Mano, and Tormaresca are also favored, and from South Africa, the Sauvignon Blancs of Neil Ellis, Southern Right, Man, and Porcupine Ridge are given a nod. For Spanish Cava, the selections are from Segura Viudas, and in the Unoaked Chardonnay category, the choices come from Yalumba, Brampton, and Domaine de Bernier.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on Pinot Noir. Nice mentions for Lynmar Russian River Valley 2005, Freeman Russian River VAlley 2006, Maison Chanson Bourgogne 2005, and several from Etude. Karen's top choice is Etude Carneros Pinot Noir 2005 (and 2006), while Andrew favors Chateau St. Jean Sonoma Pinot Noir 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on the wines of Penna Luigi & Figli. Praise for the Barbera d'Alba 'Perpetua' 2004, Dolcetta d'Alba 'Galante Superiore' and Barbera d'Alba 'N'Giolina.'
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers offers tips for wine touring. Links to numerous wine region sites are offered, including those of Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Willamette Valley, and others.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell offers tasting notes on affordable wines. Highest rated is Uvaggio Vermentino 2006. Also, praise for two wines from Arizona - Caduceus 'Primer Paso' 2005, and Page Springs Cellars 'Vino de la Familia' 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Staff writer Tina Danze on the Dark Horse winery in Sonoma County. Praise for Dark Horse Treborce Vneyard Zinfandel 2005.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Albarino wines. Recommended are Brandal Albarino 2006, and Adegas D'Altamira Albarino 2006. Also recommended is Tourino Tinto Figuero 4.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on wines from Sonoma County. Highly recommended are three from Rodney Strong - the 'Jane's Vineyard' Reserve Pinot Noir 2005, Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2005, and 'Symmetry' Red Meritage 2005. On another page, recommendation of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007 as a bargain.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on blended red wines. Highest recommendation is for Peirano 'The Other' Red Blend Lodi 2006.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on new wine discoveries. Cases in point are Cameron Winery 'Giuliano' 2007, and Bodega Enrique Foster Ique Malbec 2007.
SHARE »
