Domaine Serene Yamhill Cvuée Pinot Noir 2011 Grace and Ken Evenstad first arrived and settled in the Dundee Hills in the Willamette Valley in 1989. At that time, the couple had spent over 20 years together in Minnesota building a successful business and a deep appreciation for the wines of Burgundy. The Evenstads had faith in Oregon early on, before there was a national market for domestic Pinot Noir. When the time came to pursue their longtime dream of growing and producing world class Pinot Noir, they invested in a 42 acre hilltop estate that had just been logged in the beautiful Dundee Hills of Oregon. With the support of…
-
-
Mommessin Beaujolais Nouveau 2016 On November 17, 2016 wine aficionados across the U.S. celebrated the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. Since this French wine first came to the U.S. in 1982, Beaujolais Nouveau Day has been an annual celebration to honor the end of harvest and offer the first taste of the new vintage. Released at 12:01 a.m. on the third Thursday in November per French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is a bright, flavorful red wine made from the Gamay grape. As with most wine aficionados, I too am always anxious to join in on the celebration and try the new harvest upon release, I think it’s fun to participate in this…
-
Villa di Capezzana Carmignano 2008 At Carmignano the vines have been cultivated in pre-Roman era, about 3000 years ago, as the Wine jars and tasting cups found in Etruscan tombs demonstrate. In the archives of state of Florence a parchment was found, dated 804; it is a lease showing that as early as 1200 years ago, in Capezzana, vines and olives were cultivated for the production of oil and wine. In the early Renaissance, around 1475, Monna Nera Bonaccorsi built the first ‘Nobleman’s house’ and nine farm houses with the wine-making buildings. Other generations and families followed on the estate property; The Biscotti, related to Medici & The Marchesi Bourbon…
-
Rochioli Russian River Pinot Noir 2012 The legacy began in 1911 when Joe Rocchioli Sr. immigrated to America along with his parents, Michele and Menichina Rocchioli (they later dropped the second “c”). Originally from a small village just outside of Lucca, the Rocchioli’s were one of many Italian families that arrived in New York, made their way across the country, and settled in Northern California. Although Joe Sr. really considered himself a crop farmer, he planted popular “jug wine” blending grapes like French Colombard, Early Burgundy and Valdeguié (Napa Gamay). By the mid-1950s he raised enough money to purchase the Fenton Acres property, the same location where Rochioli Vineyards are…
-
Bodegas El Nido Clio 2009 The Bodegas El Nido winery is located in the Valley of the Aragona, 10 kilometers north of the town of Jumilla, in the “top boundary”, so named because it is the highest altitude in the municipality. The vines are planted on soils mostly of limestone and very stony surface. The winery began bearing fruit in 2001 as a result of the partnership between the Gil family and Chris Ringland, one of Australia’s best winemakers. The first harvest sold was 2002 under both El Nido and Clio brands. A favorite. Dark red color with aromas of ripe fruit, floral notes and perfume spice. Aged for 24…
-
I’Avi Arrufi Vi de guarda 2008 L’Avi Arrufi is an estate-bottled wine made by Celler Vinos Piñol with organically grown grapes in the high elevation region of Terra Alta, located south of Barcelona. The Piñol family has been wine growers for four generations. L’Avi Arrufi means, “Grandfather Arrufi,” the man who founded Celler Piñol in 1945. Today, less than 800 cases are produced of one of the family’s most distinctive wines, made from organically grown vines over seventy years old. L’Avi Arrufi is “liquid geography,” a wine that sings the special music of Terra Alta’s terroir composed of phrases and notes of the specific flavors of the Mediterranean climate. The…
-
Achaval Ferrer Quimera 2009 It began in 1998 when a group of Italian and Argentine friends came together to make a dream a reality, bringing Argentine wine to the global marketplace. Argentina is regarded as one of the dynamic regions in the world. Only 4 countries produce more wine than Argentina. Significant investments in technology have improved the winemaking production in the past several years, with many premium quality wines, Achaval Ferrer Quimera among some of the best. I had this gem at a restaurant on Cape Cod, and each October, the restaurant marks down all of their wines 50%, below retail! Dark red with aromas of dark red fruits,…
-
Capanna Brunello Di Montalcino 2008 The Capanna Farm, owned by the Cencioni family since 1957, is situated north of Montalcino in the Montosoli area, which has always been considered one of the best ”crus” of Brunello. An area of about 30 acres is cultivated as a vineyard, and the other 28 acres as an olive-grove. Its magnificent position and the stony soil, together with the dry and airy climate, allows Capanna to produce a Brunello wine that is graceful and elegant, suitable for a long maturing process. Went to a restaurant on the Cape, Barley Neck Inn, which offers half price wines during the month of October. They have a…
-
Fess Parker Sta. Rita Hills 2014 Parker West Chardonnay The final installment of my recent trip to CA to visit my first born child and celebrating her birthday. We wanted to taste some great wines that cannot readily be obtained back east, so we visited Fess Parker Vineyards. Family run winery established in 1989 by the late Fess Parker. Fess is best known for his portrayal of the frontiersmen Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone during the 1950’s and 1960’s and made him a legion among millions of adoring fans. Fess Parker was originally from Texas, attended the University of Texas and did a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy…
-
Ca’Del Grevino Pinot Noir 2012 Another installment of my recent trip to CA to visit my oldest child and celebrating her birthday. We wanted to taste some great wines that cannot readily be obtained back east, so we visited Ca’ Del Grevino Estate Vineyards. Owned by the Grewal Family, Ca’ Del Grevino is the signature wine brand of their estate representing regality, tradition and opulence. Nestled in California’s prestigious Central Coast is the lovely Santa Maria Valley. The unique micro-climate of the valley produces cool mornings and long warm afternoons. The best quality fruit produced and attention to detail produces award winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, White Riesling and Syrah wines.…