Zinfandel: NYT Article on Amador County

In California Gold Country, a New Rush for Old Wine By SALLY McGRANE NYTIMES Here are some key excerpts from a NY Times Article on the Sierra Foothills wineries: The region starting around the town...

Robert Parker's Vintage Chart (2001)

The (in)famous Robert Parker has updated his Vintage Chart to include the 2001 Harvest on his site, eparker. His highest rating was 96 (out of 100) for California Cabernets. Thankfully, the year of my first...

Update on grapes sources

Pinot Noir I'm still on my quest to find excellent quality grapes from respected Russian River vineyards at reasonable prices. I left a message with Sapphire Hill praising them on an excellent showing of their...

Vineyard development fees hiked 75%

The prices for starting a new vineyard in Sonona are growing expontentially. Looks like it will cost around $5,000 to apply for a permit. This pretty much squashes any of my thoughts for a hobby...

Zinfandel: Why Almost Everyone Loves It

"I know of no other table wine that is so purely delicious. Zinfandel has given me more sensuous pleasure than any other wine. Zinfandel is a rich, fruity, spicy wine. It can at times be a side dish to the main course. " Paul Draper, Ridge Winemaker.

Urban Wineries Increase in Washington

An article in today's SF Gate describes the increase in urban wineries in Washington. Rebecca Cooks' article, Fine wines in funky places: Wineries sprout in cities, follows 3 urban wineries who are creative homes-- garages,...

Harvest Concerns - Mendocino

Casey Hartlip from Eaglepoint Ranch in Mendocino, posted a message on the West Coast Wine Network about this year's harvest. He writes: "Its the middle of June and my Cabernet is at full bloom. We...