Mark Herold 2014 “Collide” Red, California
Mark HeroldMark’s new tasting room just opened in Napa –just down from the Oxbow Public Market– a scant three months before I reviewed his wines. I loved the room –super fun …
California
Robert Young Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Scion Estate in Alexander Valley
SonomaWhen students ask me where they should visit when traveling to Napa Valley, I’ll rattle off a few wineries. If someone asks me if they should go to Sonoma or Napa, …
Shannon Ridge 2016 “High Elevation Collection” Sauvignon Blanc Lake County (California)
Shannon Ridge is located in California’s Lake County, which is a hard place to make wine. Not because great wine can’t be made, but because it’s always in the (metaphorical) shadow …
Kieran Robinson 2012 “R Five” Syrah
Personally, I’m more of a fan of the R8: in any case, it’s a rare pleasure to argue with a Cali winemaker over his choice of SEPTA commutes.Kieran is a Philly …
Atalon 2014 Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley
Does this winery even exist? If one drives up to its Calistoga address, you won’t see any signs or even any employees. The winery has been converted into a facility to …
Robert Mondavi Winery 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
This is a great wine. But this wine is also important. First, it’s made in a true Mondavi style, honed in the ’60s and perfected in the ’80s: this is how …
Kukkula 2012 “Aatto” Red Blend, Paso Robles
Take a look at that label. Wrinkled and shiny. Looking like it was applied by hand. Because it was. Only two types of wine sport such ghetto hand-glued labels: the first …
Philadelphia Inquirer: Try a slug of this with your pizza
The story was originally published by the Philadelphia Inquirer on May 4, 2008.Inqlings: Try a slug of this with your pizzaAuthor: Michael KleinMike Schmidt hit 548 home runs in his 18 seasons …
California Wines Reviews
Terlato “Devil’s Peak” Cabernet Franc, Pope ValleyThe wine is bright, ruby, and shows no bricking with medium color concentration, no sediment, and medium-minus viscosity. Aromas of blueberry, smoke, and hints of …
Roth Estate 2011 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
Bill FoleyEver wonder how empires start? Keep an eye on Bill Foley. Last I checked in with him, he was running Foley Estates. I was drinking with his assistant winemaker in …
Mill Creek 2010 Merlot, Alexander Valley
There is no shame in not knowing Mill Creek Vineyards. It is easy to miss.This is a tiny, family-run operation covering 55 acres in Sonoma County. Its focus is on high-quality …
Zocker 2012 Gruner Veltliner, Edna Valley
Zocker, the Austria word for “gambler,” is a new project by the Niven Family Wine Estates, a top producer in California’s central coast.The Gruner Veltliner varietal is a rare and idiosyncratic …
Veramonte 2009 “Primus” Cabernet Sauvignon, Rapel Valley
Veramonte is a large winery in Chile’s Casablanca Valley, clocking in at just under 500 hectares. Since its founding, it’s been a US-centric winery, with over 80% of its wines bought …
Chateau Saint Jean 2010 Chardonnay, Belle Terre Vineyard
This is an American classic Chardonnay. Imagine a big ole’ honey bear of wine, dressed up in a tuxedo but passed out on a feather bed.Golden and glossy in the glass, it …
Novy 2010 Syrah, Napa Valley
The nose in this Napa Valley Syrah offers copious aromas of black fruits –black cherry, currant, and blackberry– and a thread of smoky licorice. On the palate, it is lush and …
Havens Winery 2009 Bourriquot, Napa Valley
Before Michael Havens found himself out of cash and bankrupt, I worked at his winery as a cellar rat. He later sold the winery, along with the name – his own, …