Fess Parker Sta. Rita Hills 2011 Ashley’s Chardonnay 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 during WWII and moved to California in the 1950’s and began acting. After his acting career was winding down, Fess, in 1986, opened a resort hotel in Santa Barbara on 23 ocean front acres. In 1989 Fess’ next adventure lured…
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Sonoma-Cutrer 2012 Russian River Ranches Chardonnay Recently I commented on Sonoma-Cutrer 2010 Russian River Pinot Noir (see March 7, 2014 post) and described that I first became acquainted with Sonoma-Cutrer during a Sonoma wine tasting event in the 80’s and met Brice Cutrer Jones. When I tasted his Chardonnay, in a word, outstanding, one of the best I have tasted, but that was a while ago. The Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay was my “go-to” Chardonnay until about the time Brice Cutrer Jones was no longer associated with the winery. In 1999, Brown-Forman, the Kentucky-based drinks giant acquired Sonoma-Cutrer, and 2 years later fired Brice Cutrer Jones. Since Brice’s departure,…
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Charles Krug 2012 Chardonnay Carneros Charles Krug Winery was founded in 1861 by a 27-year old Prussian immigrant, Charles Krug, who came to America with little means but had the drive to work hard and build the cornerstone of the first winery in Napa. Charles Krug brought much influence, innovation and development into the Napa wine making era. For example he introduced the first cider press for wine making and it remains on display today. He experimented with selecting rootstocks, varietals and vineyard sites, unheard of in 19th century America. The winery changed hands at the turn of the 19th century and after Prohibition, in 1943, the winery was sold…
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Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 2011 Karia Chardonnay Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is considered by many one of the “first growths” of Napa and produces celebrated collectible wines from the historic Stags Leap District. The winery was founded in 1970 at the time Napa Valley was undergoing a rebirth after the lingering effects of prohibition. During the mid-60’s there were less than 20 wineries at the time this new enthusiasm was entering Napa Valley. The distinguishing event that put Napa on the map was the famous 1976 Paris Tasting “Judgment of Paris” (click on for Wikipedia link) when their 1973 Cabernet S.L.V won the event. I will review their Cabernet in…
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B.R. Cohn 2010 Silver Label North Coast Chardonnay While looking through my cellar, I came across a B.R. Cohn 2010 Silver Label North Coast Chardonnay. Recently, I have been disappointed with some 2010 Chardonnays (as I believe some were past their prime), so I decided to give this 2010 a try. This Silver Label offering from founder Bruce Cohn, who (for us older rockers) managed the Doobie Brothers, one of my favorite groups of the 70’s. Mr. Cohn, when not managing the Doobie Brothers, was learning all about wine and launched a winery in 1984. I opened his 2010 North Coast Chardonnay, chilled at about 48 degrees, (my wife likes it colder…
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Robert Mondavi 2011 Napa Chardonnay Robert Mondavi winery, located in Oakville, CA, makes a number of outstanding and consistent quality wines. I thought it was best starting at an entry point with his Chardonnay offering from Napa. Robert Mondavi established his winery in 1966 with a vision to have his Napa Valley wines to be among the world’s finest. Robert Mondavi also believed his wines should reflect its “roots” and be a signature creation from a combination of the soil, climate and production techniques, both new and old, which transforms the grapes into a fine wine. Opening a bottle of 2011 Napa Chardonnay, you notice a pale golden color sparkling…
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Chateau St. Jean 2011 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast The internet said last week that 49 of the 50 states had snow! Where is some of that global warmth? Trying to rush the warm weather, I grabbed a nice classic white that reminded me of summertime. Chateau St. Jean’s 2011 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast was my choice. The estate of Chateau St. Jean is located at the foot of Sugarloaf Ridge in the Sonoma Valley near Kenwood, California. The estate was founded in 1973 and recognized as a true leader in “Vineyard Designated” wines. The winemaker, Margo Van Staaveren, brings with her 30 years of experience and draws out the best that Chateau…
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Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Earlier this week I talked about Cava, now it’s all about Champagne! Not just Valentine’s Day, but any day is a good day for Champagne, however splitting a bottle of bubbly with your sweetheart is not a bad way to spend Feb 14. Moët Champagne is legendary as they have been in existence for over a quarter of a millennium. Founded by Claude Moët in 1743, his effervescent wine soon became the icon of elegance and success throughout the world, and has not changed much since. The House style of Moët is distinctive, showing an elegant maturity resulting from the labor intensive process it takes to…
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Ferrari-Carano 2012 Sonoma Chardonnay One of my absolute favorite California Chardonnay’s is the Ferrari-Carano offering from Sonoma County. Today I will comment on the 2012 vintage. (Note: They also make a Reserve Chardonnay from Napa, which is bigger and buttery and I will reserve specific comments for another day). The Ferrari-Carano Winery was founded in 1981 by Don and Rhonda Carano and is located in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. If you enjoy pairing food with wine, be sure to visit the Ferrari-Carano website where Rhonda has a number of recipes. So if you are adventurous and have a passion for good food and wine, then try some of her…