Yearly Archives: 2013

VIE Winery: New Releases 2010-2012

Posted on December 27, 2013 by mike

VIE us a small urban winery located in San  Francisco.  It was started in 2004 by winemaker, Bryan Kane with the support of a small group of friends.  It crafts Rhone style wines and Zinfandel from grapes sourced from outstanding … Continue reading →

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New Releases from Blue Rock Vineyard, Alexander Valley

Posted on December 20, 2013 by mike

Kenny Kahn, the owner of this small artisanal winery, is a passionate vigneron. He is one of a small group of producers in Alexander Valley in Sonoma County who are deeply committed to producing authentic high quality estate wines. Blue … Continue reading →

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New Releases from Wrath Vineyards in Monterey

Posted on December 19, 2013 by mike

Wrath Wines has once again provided us a rich collection of new releases of their 2012 whites and 2011 reds.  There are 16 wines reviewed here each offering different expressions of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.  Most of … Continue reading →

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New Releases from Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Posted on December 9, 2013 by mike

Here are three new impressive releases from Coppola Winery.  All  are red blends, each with their own personality, but also reveal the Coppola style which combines ri,ch flavors, velvety textures, perfect balance, and real drinkability.   And all the wines are … Continue reading →

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The World’s Love Affair with Rosé Champagne

Posted on December 8, 2013 by don

All the world loves rosé Champagne, today more than ever. While the French consume the most, the British and Americans aren’t far behind.  Rosé Champagne sales have continued to increase over the past few years despite the severe recession and … Continue reading →

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Sans Liege: Grenache from California’s Central Coast

Posted on December 6, 2013 by don

A few months ago, while preparing our report on The Wines of Santa Barbara, we met Curt Schalchlin, creator and owner of Sans Liege, at Central Coast Wine Services in Santa Maria, CA.  Curt sources most of his fruit from … Continue reading →

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Quinta do Vale Meão: New 2011 Releases from Portugal

Posted on December 5, 2013 by mike

This historic quinta (estate), one of the finest in the Douro, was founded in 1877 by the legendary Port producer Dona Antónia  Adelaide Ferreira.  Today it is owned by her great grandson the affable Francisco “Tito” Olazabal, former Managing Director … Continue reading →

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Bodegas Ramon Bilbao: New and Prior Releases from Rioja 2005-2010

Posted on December 3, 2013 by mike

This historic winery is currently owned and operated by Diego Zamora, S.A. one of the largest beverage groups in Spain.   The winery in located in Haro, Rioja Alta and sources grapes from its own 75 hectares of vineyards, located in … Continue reading →

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Bellavista’s Refined Sparkling Wines from Franciacorta

Posted on November 26, 2013 by don

Bellavista is one of Italy’s finest sparkling wines.  A Franciacorta DOCG,  it was first produced in 1984  by veteran winemaker Vittorio Moretti.   Over the years, Bellavista’s  high quality  sparkling wines have contributed to the fame of  the Franciacorta DOCG,  … Continue reading →

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Abbazia di Novacella: New Releases from Alto Adige

Posted on November 21, 2013 by mike

  These new releases are from the famed Abbazia di Novacella, an Augustinian Cannons Regular monastery located in the Isarco River Valley of Alto Adige.    Founded in 1142 by Hartmann, Bishop of Brixen,  the Abbey, for centuries was a center … Continue reading →

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