Edoardo Seghesio planted his first Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley in 1895. Since then, four generations of the Seghesio family have tended over 400 acres of vineyards in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys. The winery’s range of Zinfandel bottlings offer remarkable terroir-based differences – and honestly, they’re all good. I think the “entry [...]

Earlier in the year, I had the opportunity to taste through a lineup of current releases from Australia’s Torbreck winery. This famed Barossa Valley winery specializes in Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro (Mourvedre) and produces intense, rich, sometimes high-dollar wines that put a definitive Aussie spin on classic Northern and Southern Rhone single varietals and blends. Here are my notes on [...]

I recently tasted a lineup of new releases from Napa Cellars. And although the Cab didn’t do much for me, I liked the other three for their balance and moderation. Nice acidity levels, ripe (but not overripe) fruit, easy to enjoy with or without food, widely available. (And I really like their logo, too, for what [...]

Earlier in the year I had the opportunity to meet with Hourglass Wineryowner Jeff Smith. I’d heard of the wines (pricey, small production Napa Cab, right?) but had never actually tasted them. We met in the lobby of his Houston hotel, and for some reason couldn’t seem to put our hands on tasting glasses. So [...]

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down to lunch with James Hall, cofounder and winemaker at California’s much-esteemed Patz & Hall winery. For more than 20 years, James and his partners Donald Patz, Anne Moses and Heather Patz have focused exclusively on making Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They use grapes from many of California best [...]

I recently sat down with Saintsbury co-founder David Graves. During the course of lunch, we touched on topics ranging from plate tectonics to the sale of Anchor Brewing and the future of wine blogs. In between, we tasted through a handful of wines. Here are notes on my favorites: Saintsbury 2009 Vin Gris of Pinot Noir Carneros [...]

Here are three new releases from Souverain — all Alexander Valley, all priced from $15-$20, and all delish! Souverain 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley ($15). Bright and citrusy, with tangerine and grapefruit mingling with softer melon and pear notes, winding up in a long, lightly spicy and slightly creamy finish. Ready to drink now. Locate this [...]