Wine Review Weekly
September 10, 2007
Fine article this week by Laurie Daniel, reporting from Chateauneuf du Pape on the wines and vineyards of the region. The San Francisco Chronicle tasting panel also focuses on Chateauneuf du Pape this week, but of special interest is the article on 'hidden Napa Valley' by Chronicle wine editor Jon Bonne. And Frank Sutherland, writing in the Nashville Tennessean, finds lots to like in new boxed wines. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Merryvale Starmont Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Teal Lake Shiraz 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford chooses Mouton Cadet Rose 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Passopisciaro Rosso Sicilia 2005.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Big Ass Cab 2005.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Hilltop Neszmely Craftsman 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Sharp Hill Chardonnay NV.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov profiles Kevin Harvey and his Rhys Vineyards. Praise for several of the Pinot Noirs.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on the rising popularity of Pinot Noir. Best in tasting of moderately priced Pinots is deemed to be Robert Mondavi Carneros 2005, while Frey Vineyards Mendocino 2006 is cited as best value.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on wines from Chile. Highest rated are Concha y Toro Syrah Marques de Casa Concha 2005, Vina Chocalan Gran Reserva 2004, and Casa Silva Carmenere Los Lingues Estate 2005.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on eye-catching wne labels. Recommended are Bedell Cellars Merlot Reserve Eric Fischl Artist Series 2001, Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare 2006, Casanuova di Nittardi Chianti Classico 2004, Chateau Calon Segur 2005, Dry Creek Vineyard Beeson Ranch Zinfandel 2003, Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Chardonnay 2005, Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Marilyn Wines Velvet Collection 2004, Some Young Punks Passion Has Red Lips Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2005, Red Car Shake Rattle Roll Syrah 2005, and 2480 Hollywood & Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti on Long Island wines. Recommended is Macari Vineyards Solo Uno 2005.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Charles Krug Merlot 2004, Montevina Sierra Foothills Zinfandel 2004, Cellar No. 8 Zinfandel 2005, and Bogle Merlot 2005.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan on Catena Mendoza Chardonnay 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Chateauneuf du Pape wines. Top rated is Le Vieux Donjon 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on small and unpretentious Napa Valley wineries. Featured is Sky Vineyards, but nice mentions also for Smith-Madrone, Ritchie Creek Vineyard, Mayacamas Vineyard, Corison, Cafaro, and Lewelling Vineyards.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on Viognier wines. Nice mentions for Holly's Hill Vineyard, Garretson Wine Co., Bonterra, and Calera.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel reports from Chateaneuf du Pape on the region's vineyards and wines. Nice comments for Chateau de Beaucastel 2004, Perrin & Fils 'Les Sinards' 2004, Vieux Telegraphe 2004 (and 2005), Domaine La Roquete 2004, Chateau La Nerthe 2003, Chateau Mont-Redon 2003, Domaine de Beaurenard 2004, Boisrenard 2004, and Chapoutier 'La Bernardine' 2004.
Los Angeles Times: Staff writer Corie Brown on top vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Profiles on White Hawk, Purisima Mountain, Larner, Cargasacchi, and Westerly. On another page, Brown summarizes the recent purchase of Firestone Vineyards by vintner William Foley.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs on Rhone varietal wines. Focus on varietals and regions, but nice mentions for Tablas Creek and Cline Cellars, as well as Virginia producers Chrysalis, Jefferson, and Michael Shaps.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on recognized brand name wines. On another page, tasting notes on Gallo Family Vineyards Laguna Vineyards Chardonnay 2004 and Sonoma Reserve Pinot Gris 2006, Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut 2002, and Iron Horse Russian Cuvee 2002.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford profiles the Heredad Ugarte winery in Rioja. On another page, high praise for the Reinares 2006, Martin Cendoya 2003, and Mercedes Eguren Shyraz Tempranillo 2005.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand. Best of a good bunch is Wither Hills 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine writer Kim Pierce on Clean Slate Riesling.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Sherry. Nice mentions for Pedro Domecq and Osborne.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on lighter wines. Most highly recommended are Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2006, Simi Roseto 2006, and Columbia Crest 'Two Vines' Gewurztraminer 2006.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on boxed wines for tailgaining. Top choice is Delicato Shiraz 2005.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on pairing wine with fresh tomatoes. Top choice is Domaine de Bel Air Pouilly Fume 2005.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on new wines from traditional sources. Cases in point are Casa Santos Lima Portuga Estremadura 2006, and Maquis Lien 'Valle de Colchagua' 2004.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks Merryvale Starmont Sauvignon Blanc 2006.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Teal Lake Shiraz 2006.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford chooses Mouton Cadet Rose 2006.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Passopisciaro Rosso Sicilia 2005.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Cono Sur Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Big Ass Cab 2005.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Hilltop Neszmely Craftsman 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Sharp Hill Chardonnay NV.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov profiles Kevin Harvey and his Rhys Vineyards. Praise for several of the Pinot Noirs.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on the rising popularity of Pinot Noir. Best in tasting of moderately priced Pinots is deemed to be Robert Mondavi Carneros 2005, while Frey Vineyards Mendocino 2006 is cited as best value.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on wines from Chile. Highest rated are Concha y Toro Syrah Marques de Casa Concha 2005, Vina Chocalan Gran Reserva 2004, and Casa Silva Carmenere Los Lingues Estate 2005.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist Elin McCoy on eye-catching wne labels. Recommended are Bedell Cellars Merlot Reserve Eric Fischl Artist Series 2001, Bonny Doon Vin Gris de Cigare 2006, Casanuova di Nittardi Chianti Classico 2004, Chateau Calon Segur 2005, Dry Creek Vineyard Beeson Ranch Zinfandel 2003, Francis Ford Coppola Director's Cut Chardonnay 2005, Frog's Leap Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Kenwood Jack London Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2003, Marilyn Wines Velvet Collection 2004, Some Young Punks Passion Has Red Lips Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2005, Red Car Shake Rattle Roll Syrah 2005, and 2480 Hollywood & Vine Cabernet Sauvignon 2003.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti on Long Island wines. Recommended is Macari Vineyards Solo Uno 2005.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Charles Krug Merlot 2004, Montevina Sierra Foothills Zinfandel 2004, Cellar No. 8 Zinfandel 2005, and Bogle Merlot 2005.
Philadelphia Inquirer: Staff writer Craig LaBan on Catena Mendoza Chardonnay 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Chateauneuf du Pape wines. Top rated is Le Vieux Donjon 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: Wine editor Jon Bonne on small and unpretentious Napa Valley wineries. Featured is Sky Vineyards, but nice mentions also for Smith-Madrone, Ritchie Creek Vineyard, Mayacamas Vineyard, Corison, Cafaro, and Lewelling Vineyards.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on Viognier wines. Nice mentions for Holly's Hill Vineyard, Garretson Wine Co., Bonterra, and Calera.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel reports from Chateaneuf du Pape on the region's vineyards and wines. Nice comments for Chateau de Beaucastel 2004, Perrin & Fils 'Les Sinards' 2004, Vieux Telegraphe 2004 (and 2005), Domaine La Roquete 2004, Chateau La Nerthe 2003, Chateau Mont-Redon 2003, Domaine de Beaurenard 2004, Boisrenard 2004, and Chapoutier 'La Bernardine' 2004.
Los Angeles Times: Staff writer Corie Brown on top vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Profiles on White Hawk, Purisima Mountain, Larner, Cargasacchi, and Westerly. On another page, Brown summarizes the recent purchase of Firestone Vineyards by vintner William Foley.
Washington Times: Wine columnist Paul Lukacs on Rhone varietal wines. Focus on varietals and regions, but nice mentions for Tablas Creek and Cline Cellars, as well as Virginia producers Chrysalis, Jefferson, and Michael Shaps.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on recognized brand name wines. On another page, tasting notes on Gallo Family Vineyards Laguna Vineyards Chardonnay 2004 and Sonoma Reserve Pinot Gris 2006, Iron Horse Classic Vintage Brut 2002, and Iron Horse Russian Cuvee 2002.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Michael Lonsford profiles the Heredad Ugarte winery in Rioja. On another page, high praise for the Reinares 2006, Martin Cendoya 2003, and Mercedes Eguren Shyraz Tempranillo 2005.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand. Best of a good bunch is Wither Hills 2006.
Dallas Morning News: Wine writer Kim Pierce on Clean Slate Riesling.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on Sherry. Nice mentions for Pedro Domecq and Osborne.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on lighter wines. Most highly recommended are Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Blanc 2006, Simi Roseto 2006, and Columbia Crest 'Two Vines' Gewurztraminer 2006.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on boxed wines for tailgaining. Top choice is Delicato Shiraz 2005.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on pairing wine with fresh tomatoes. Top choice is Domaine de Bel Air Pouilly Fume 2005.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on new wines from traditional sources. Cases in point are Casa Santos Lima Portuga Estremadura 2006, and Maquis Lien 'Valle de Colchagua' 2004.
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