Category Archives: Russian River Valley

Chronicle Zinfandels 2006

Proprietor Mike Hengehold was on hand at ZAP today in San Francisco to showcase his Zin portfolio. He is sourcing fruit from vines that were planted in the Russian River long before I was born. The fruit hangs well into … Continue reading

Posted in Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Tagged | 1 Comment

Trione Sauvignon Blanc 2006

I hope you don’t think that I’m on the payroll at Trione ’cause here is another review of a super wine. At the Chronicle judges’ dinner last week we were each given a gift-wrapped bottle of a wine to take … Continue reading

Posted in California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County | Tagged | Leave a comment

Trione new releases

Trione, Russian River Valley, River Road Ranch, Pinot Noir 2008 In the nose you’ll find sweet red fruit with pastry notes, think cherry pie, warm and aromatic. In the mouth you’ll find a supple expression of that cherry pie, absolutely … Continue reading

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Syrah | Tagged | Leave a comment

Wines of the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout

The final round of judging in the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout was held today at Bistro Boudin on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I was asked to join about 30 other judges to pick the best of the best from … Continue reading

Posted in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Sonoma County Pinot Noirs 2007

Balletto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Estate Bottled, Pinot Noir 2007 Sweet, ripe fruit fills the glass, a blend of cherries and raspberries. In the mouth there is also a touch of caramel, light body, smooth texture and long acidity … Continue reading

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Sonoma County Sauvignons 2007

Rancho Zabaco, Russian River, Reserve, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 There’s a nice spot of grassiness in the nose, with green peppers and grapefruit zest. In the mouth the grapefruit comes through with a nice level of refreshing acidity. Produced & bottled … Continue reading

Posted in California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Tandem Porter-Bass Chard 2005

Tandem, Russian River Valley, Porter-Bass Vineyard, Chardonnay 2005 With 4 years since the harvest this wine is developing some nice complexity. The nose sports wet stones, toastiness, tropical fruits, hay and lanolin. In the mouth there is a richness of … Continue reading

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | 1 Comment

Ancien Russian River Pinot 2006

Ancien, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose speaks of sweet cherries sprinkled with brown spices. In the mouth this is a supple Pinot with polished oak in the background to enhance the fruit – very nice. The majority … Continue reading

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Graton Ridge Pinot Noir 2007

Graton Ridge, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Paul Family Vineyard, Estate, Pinot Noir 2007 There’s a lovely cherry pie essence in the nose, a sweet expression of fruit and oak. In the mouth there is vanilla, caramel and cherries baked … Continue reading

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2009 sweet stars

Hart’s Desire, Russian River Valley, Ponzo Vineyard, Late Harvest, Zinfandel 2008 The nose features candied black fruit. In the mouth it is a blackberry jam, in a liquid form – with an acidic streak for balance – delicious. 7% RS … Continue reading

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Late harvest red, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel | 1 Comment