Monthly Archives: July 2015

Domaine François Raveneau of Chablis: Reviews of the Excellent 2014 Vintage

Posted on July 30, 2015 by don

Our new Report #50 The Wines of Chablis provides a comprehensive picture of one of the greatest wine regions in the world.  No region produces such ethereal wines as does Chablis, and in our 35 page report we orient readers … Continue reading →

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Chilean Carménère: Selections from Apaltagua, Calcu, and Maquis

Posted on July 29, 2015 by don

It was only 20 years ago that Carménère was “discovered” by the French ampelographer Jean Michel Boursiquot. Today, Carménère is one of Chile’s signature varieties with 8827 hectares of vines. It produces both single varietal and red blends of distinction. … Continue reading →

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The Proseccos of Biancavigna

Posted on July 29, 2015 by don

BiancaVigna is a relatively new producer of Prosecco, but it is rapidly gaining recognition for the quality of its wines. We review three of them below. BiancaVigna was founded in 2004 by the sister and brother team Elena and Enrico … Continue reading →

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Progeny: A Stellar Introduction to Mt. Veeder

Posted on July 28, 2015 by mike

Later this year we’ll be publishing a new report on the wines of Mt. Veeder. In preparation, we’ve already tasted the current releases of many of the region’s major producers, including Progeny. These tastings already reveal that Cabernet Sauvignon from … Continue reading →

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Tenute Cecilia of Puglia: The Wines of Giovanni Sarti

Posted on July 26, 2015 by mike

Cecilia is the brand name in the US  of the wines of Giovanni Sarti, the talented winemaker of Puglia who produces delicious wines from his native Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes grown in Salento, the “heel” of the Italian boot (see … Continue reading →

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Livio Felluga of Friuli New Releases

Posted on July 23, 2015 by don

The Livio Felluga winery is one of the most highly respected in Italy’s Friuli region. We review current releases of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, and its superb oak-fermented, white blend called Terre Alte. Friuli borders on Austria and the Mediterranean [see … Continue reading →

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MacMurray Estate Vineyards: Russian River Valley and Central Coast Releases

Posted on July 16, 2015 by mike

  MacMurray Estate Vineyards offers an attractive selection of Pinot Noirs from the Russian River Valley and the Central Coast as well as tasty Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.  We reviewed the previous vintage of these wines in our Report #44   … Continue reading →

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Uruguay’s Bodega Garzón: Investment in Quality

Posted on July 14, 2015 by mike

Bodega Garzón is a new Uruguayan winery producing outstanding, limited production, estate-grown wines. The eminent Italian enologist Alberto Antonini leads the winemaking team, which in 2015 inaugurated a new, world-class, LEED-certified winery. We review the Tannat and Albariño wines currently … Continue reading →

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California New Releases from Livermore, Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands & Russian River

Posted on July 13, 2015 by mike

We review vibrant Chardonnays from Wente and Morgan; crisp Sauvignon Blancs from Morgan and Owl Ridge; and flavorful Red and White Blends from Murrieta’s Well and Pinot Noir from Willowbrook.  These are good quality wines that are also good value.

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Tenet Wines: Rhone Winemakers in Washington State

Posted on July 8, 2015 by don

Two of the Southern Rhone’s premier winemakers—Michel Gassier and Philippe Cambie—have teamed up with Bob Bertheau of  Chateau Ste. Michelle to make wines from Rhone varieties grown in Washington State’s Columbia Valley.  Their venture is called Tenet Wines, and we … Continue reading →

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