Wine Review Weekly
August 4, 2008
Guest writer Tim Teichgraeber, in the San Francisco Chronicle, offers a thorough review of the history and renewed energy behind 'Cal-Ital' wines and their producers. On the other coast, Eric Asimov of the New York Times has much priase for the often-overlooked white wines of Bordeaux. And Mark Tarbell, in the Arizona Republic, argues persuasively against the trend among California wine producers toward high alcohol wines. John Gillespie
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks El Coto de Rioja Rose 2007.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Cave de Ribeauville Pinot Blanc 2007.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Quinta de Cabriz Reserva Dao 2004.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Beckmen Vineyards Cuvee Le Bec 2006.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Frederic Mallo Sylvaner 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose 2007.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Mas Igneus Barranc dels Closos Priorat 2007.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the dry white wines of Bordeaux. Nice mentions for Haut Brion, Pape Clement, Clos Floridene, La Louviere, Couhins-Lurton, Chateau de Fieuzal, Smith Haut Lafitte, Chateau Carbonnieux, and others but the focus and highest praise go to Domaine de Chevalier.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on first growth Bordeaux wines of the 2005 vintage. Despite astronomical prices, there is high praise - especially for Chateau Latour 2005.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on wines from Andrew Will Winery in Washington. Highest rated is Sorella Horse Heaven Hills 2005.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist John Mariani on wine writer and blogger Tyler Coleman, and his new book - Wine Politics.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti offers a nice tasting note on Macari Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2007.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc 2007, and Layer Cake Cotes du Rhone 2006.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on Sauvignon Blanc wines. Recommended are Montes 'Classic Series' Casablanca Curico Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Buitenverwachting 'Beyond' Coastal Region 2006, Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Nobilo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007, and Rolling Estate Wines Central Ranges Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on white wine from Spain, with focus on El Hada Verdejo Viura 2007.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Carmenere wines from Chile. Highest ratings go to Viu Manent Reserva Valle de Colshagua 2006, San Pedro Castillo de Molina Reserva Maule Valley 2006, and Montes Purple Angel Colchagua Valley 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: Guest writer Tim Teichgraeber on renewed interest in 'Cal-Ital' wines. Tasting notes on offerings from Benessere, Enotria, Monte Volpe, Terra d'Oro, L'Uvaggio di Giacomo, Martin & Weyrich, and MonteVina.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on Sacramento wine retailer Darrell Corti and the relocation of his store.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on Rhone varietal wines. Nice mentions for wines from Villa Creek, Margerum, Robert Hall, Clos LaChance, Holly's Hill, Sierra Vista, Core Wine, Tablas Creek, Kunin Wines, Ventana Vineyards, Beckmen Vineyards, Curtis Winery, Bonny Doon, and Edward Cellars. Mentions also for French stalwarts Chateau de Beaucastel, Perrin, and Paul Jaboulet.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on finding values in white wine. Recommended at different price levels are Chardonnay wines from Beringer Founder's Estate, Bernardus, ZD, and Talbott Vineyards. Also, nice mention for Korbel Brut Rose, but high rating goes to Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut NV.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines from Washington. Praise for wines from Gramercy Cellars, Chateau Ste. Michelle, and several offerings from Hogue Cellars and Mercer. Karen's choice this week is Hogue Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, while Andrew favors Mercer Columbia Valley Pinot Gris 2007.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on new finds from the tasting panel. Highest ratings go to Damilano 'Lecinquevigne' Barolo 2003, and Laetitia Estate Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir 2006.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on Riesling wine styles. High praise for Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2007.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell on the annoying trend toward high alcohol wine. Recommended for their lower alcohol level and delightful balance are Bloom 'Signature' Riesling 2004, and Saint M Riesling 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on moderate wine consumption. Also, recommendation for Cristalino Brut Cava NV.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel chooses inexpensive wines for summer entertaining. Those selected are Monchhof Estate Riesling 2006, Clayhouse Adobe Red 2006, Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay 2006, Marco Felluga 'Mongris' Pinot Grigio 2006, Torres Santa Digna Gewurztraminer 2007, Crios de Susana Balbo Rose of Malbec 2007, Boutari Moschofilero 2005, and Sokol Blosser Evolution NV.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on rose wines for summer enjoyment. Recommended are Torbreck Saignee Rose 2008, Corte Gardoni Chiaretto Rosato 2007, Muga Rose 2007, Knipser Rose Trocken 2007, Domaine de Tempier Bandol Rose 2007, R. Celestina Sparkling Rose of Malbec 2006, and Philipponnat Brut Rose Reserve NV.
Sarasota Herald Tribune: Wine columnist Dan Berger on wine and food pairing. Along the way, nice mentions for St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc, Bonterra Rose 2007, and Trefethen Riesling 2007.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on wines of Monterey County. The choices are all Chardonnay - Estancia Pinnacles Ranch 2006, Hahn Estates 2006, Jekel Vineayards Gravelstone 2006, Lockwood Vineyards 2006, J. Lohr October Night Vineyard 2006, Pessagno Santa Lucia Highlands 2006, and San Saba Vineayards 2006.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on varietal wines and their origins. Top recommendations this week go to Cellar Vall Llach Priorato 2005, and Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2003.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Sonoma County. Top choice is Sebastiani Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on wines from the Piedmont region of Italy. Focus on Vietti, Gaja, and others. On another page, recommendations of specific wines from Giacomo Conterno, Gaja, and Vietti.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on goov wine values. Cases in point are Castello della Paneretta Chianti Classico 2005, and Domaine des Baumard Savennieres 2005.
Baltimore Sun: Wine writer Michael Dresser picks El Coto de Rioja Rose 2007.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: Staff writer Donald Rosenberg picks Cave de Ribeauville Pinot Blanc 2007.
Los Angeles Times: Wine writer Irene Virbila picks Quinta de Cabriz Reserva Dao 2004.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Wine columnist Richard Kinssies selects Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay 2006.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine columnist Bob Hosmon picks Beckmen Vineyards Cuvee Le Bec 2006.
New York Times: Wine writer Howard Goldberg's under $20 selection is Frederic Mallo Sylvaner 2006.
Denver Post: Wine columnist Tara Q. Thomas recommends Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Rose 2007.
Dallas Morning News: Wine columnist Rebecca Murphy picks Mas Igneus Barranc dels Closos Priorat 2007.
New York Times: Wine columnist Eric Asimov on the dry white wines of Bordeaux. Nice mentions for Haut Brion, Pape Clement, Clos Floridene, La Louviere, Couhins-Lurton, Chateau de Fieuzal, Smith Haut Lafitte, Chateau Carbonnieux, and others but the focus and highest praise go to Domaine de Chevalier.
Wall Street Journal: Wine columnists Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher on first growth Bordeaux wines of the 2005 vintage. Despite astronomical prices, there is high praise - especially for Chateau Latour 2005.
Business Week: Wine critic Robert Parker on wines from Andrew Will Winery in Washington. Highest rated is Sorella Horse Heaven Hills 2005.
Bloomberg News Service: Wine columnist John Mariani on wine writer and blogger Tyler Coleman, and his new book - Wine Politics.
Newsday: Staff writer Peter Gianotti offers a nice tasting note on Macari Vineyard Estate Chardonnay 2007.
USA Today: Wine columnist Jerry Shriver recommends Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc 2007, and Layer Cake Cotes du Rhone 2006.
Boston Globe: Wine columnist Stephen Meuse on Sauvignon Blanc wines. Recommended are Montes 'Classic Series' Casablanca Curico Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Buitenverwachting 'Beyond' Coastal Region 2006, Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2006, Nobilo Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2007, and Rolling Estate Wines Central Ranges Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2006.
Newark Star-Ledger: Wine writer John Foy on white wine from Spain, with focus on El Hada Verdejo Viura 2007.
San Francisco Chronicle: The Chronicle tasting panel reviews Carmenere wines from Chile. Highest ratings go to Viu Manent Reserva Valle de Colshagua 2006, San Pedro Castillo de Molina Reserva Maule Valley 2006, and Montes Purple Angel Colchagua Valley 2005.
San Francisco Chronicle: Guest writer Tim Teichgraeber on renewed interest in 'Cal-Ital' wines. Tasting notes on offerings from Benessere, Enotria, Monte Volpe, Terra d'Oro, L'Uvaggio di Giacomo, Martin & Weyrich, and MonteVina.
Sacramento Bee: Wine columnist Mike Dunne on Sacramento wine retailer Darrell Corti and the relocation of his store.
San Jose Mercury News: Wine columnist Laurie Daniel on Rhone varietal wines. Nice mentions for wines from Villa Creek, Margerum, Robert Hall, Clos LaChance, Holly's Hill, Sierra Vista, Core Wine, Tablas Creek, Kunin Wines, Ventana Vineyards, Beckmen Vineyards, Curtis Winery, Bonny Doon, and Edward Cellars. Mentions also for French stalwarts Chateau de Beaucastel, Perrin, and Paul Jaboulet.
San Diego Union Tribune: Wine columnist Robert Whitley on finding values in white wine. Recommended at different price levels are Chardonnay wines from Beringer Founder's Estate, Bernardus, ZD, and Talbott Vineyards. Also, nice mention for Korbel Brut Rose, but high rating goes to Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut NV.
Washington Post: Wine writers Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg on wines from Washington. Praise for wines from Gramercy Cellars, Chateau Ste. Michelle, and several offerings from Hogue Cellars and Mercer. Karen's choice this week is Hogue Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, while Andrew favors Mercer Columbia Valley Pinot Gris 2007.
Houston Chronicle: Wine columnist Dale Robertson on new finds from the tasting panel. Highest ratings go to Damilano 'Lecinquevigne' Barolo 2003, and Laetitia Estate Arroyo Grande Valley Pinot Noir 2006.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Wine writer Gil Kulers on Riesling wine styles. High praise for Penfolds Bin 51 Riesling 2007.
Arizona Republic: Wine columnist Mark Tarbell on the annoying trend toward high alcohol wine. Recommended for their lower alcohol level and delightful balance are Bloom 'Signature' Riesling 2004, and Saint M Riesling 2006.
Minneapolis Star Tribune: Wine writer Bill Ward on moderate wine consumption. Also, recommendation for Cristalino Brut Cava NV.
Dallas Morning News: The tasting panel chooses inexpensive wines for summer entertaining. Those selected are Monchhof Estate Riesling 2006, Clayhouse Adobe Red 2006, Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay 2006, Marco Felluga 'Mongris' Pinot Grigio 2006, Torres Santa Digna Gewurztraminer 2007, Crios de Susana Balbo Rose of Malbec 2007, Boutari Moschofilero 2005, and Sokol Blosser Evolution NV.
Rocky Mountain News: Wine columnist Ben Weinberg on rose wines for summer enjoyment. Recommended are Torbreck Saignee Rose 2008, Corte Gardoni Chiaretto Rosato 2007, Muga Rose 2007, Knipser Rose Trocken 2007, Domaine de Tempier Bandol Rose 2007, R. Celestina Sparkling Rose of Malbec 2006, and Philipponnat Brut Rose Reserve NV.
Sarasota Herald Tribune: Wine columnist Dan Berger on wine and food pairing. Along the way, nice mentions for St. Supery Sauvignon Blanc, Bonterra Rose 2007, and Trefethen Riesling 2007.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Wine writer Bob Hosmon on wines of Monterey County. The choices are all Chardonnay - Estancia Pinnacles Ranch 2006, Hahn Estates 2006, Jekel Vineayards Gravelstone 2006, Lockwood Vineyards 2006, J. Lohr October Night Vineyard 2006, Pessagno Santa Lucia Highlands 2006, and San Saba Vineayards 2006.
Miami Herald: Wine columnist Fred Tasker on varietal wines and their origins. Top recommendations this week go to Cellar Vall Llach Priorato 2005, and Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2003.
Nashville Tennessean: Wine columnist Frank Sutherland on Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Sonoma County. Top choice is Sebastiani Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005.
Chicago Tribune: Wine reporter Bill Daley on wines from the Piedmont region of Italy. Focus on Vietti, Gaja, and others. On another page, recommendations of specific wines from Giacomo Conterno, Gaja, and Vietti.
The Oregonian: Wine columnist Matt Kramer on goov wine values. Cases in point are Castello della Paneretta Chianti Classico 2005, and Domaine des Baumard Savennieres 2005.
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