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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Descendientes de J. Palacios Pétalos 2010 Bierzo, Spain A few years ago I was introduced to this little gem from Spain, Pétalos, and was very impressed with the wine. Bierzo is a small appellation located in the northwest corner of Spain and produces wines that are more similar to those made in Galicia than the region to which it is attached: Old Castile. During the 1990s, with the help from a small group of winemakers, the name of Bierzo came to light. The main grape variety of the appellation, Mencía, is able to generate a fruity and well balanced wine (the unique red Mencía grape is said to have been…
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2010 Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Pinot Noir 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. In a few weeks I will review Sonoma-Cutrer’s current Chardonnay offerings, however today I will focus on their Pinot Noir, which by the way came sometime afterwards. Brice Cutrer Jones focus was only Chardonnay when he started the vineyard in 1973 and released his first vintage in 1981. In 1999, Brown-Forman, the Kentucky-based drinks giant whose holdings include Korbel California Champagnes (and I use…
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Valadoria, Serralunga d’Alba, 2007 Barolo Visiting with my daughter Christine, she called me at the last minute and wanted a Barolo. Not having immediate access to my cellar, I stopped at a wine shop (not my usual place) and began looking for something nice and approachable to drink now. When I came across this Barolo from Valadoria, I said Eureka! It’s been a while since I tried one, but remembered it’s an approachable wine from a notable producer, the Lanzavecchia Family, at a reasonable price. Check out their website as they have an English translation as well. You will see that their wine making dates back to the beginning of…