Tag: online wine sellers

Exploring the Role of a Winegrower: A Unique Perspective

“Winegrower” is rarely used in wine conversations these days because there really are very few situations where it fits. A recent experience had me searching through my wine vocabulary for an appropriate descriptor and then it hit me: “winegrower.” 

Arriving a few minutes early for a meeting, I was told the owner-winemaker was in the vineyards on his tractor. Honestly, I can’t recall the last time I heard those three words: owner, winemaker and tractor–  in the same sentence. And this was happening on a Sunday no less. 

Sure enough, Eric showed up on time and had to shake the dust off before shaking hands.

Eric Weisinger with his Weisinger Family Winery is definitely not your typical winemaker. Some of his colleagues in Oregon label him a “winemaker’s winemaker.” But after my most recent visit and after tasting many of his new  wines, “winegrower” fits him perfectly.

His bio on the winery’s website (weisingers.com ) is a brief one paragraph. To summarize: His parents moved from Texas to Oregon and in 1978 he helped plant the original vineyard. Located on the rural outskirts of Ashland, that vineyard was one of the first in Southern Oregon. He and his father planted it to Gewurztraminer. He grew up on the farm and by 1998 became the winemaker. 

One thing he did early on was to re-work the winery’s name to Weisinger Family Winery, emphasizing “Family.”  And he then gradually converted sections of the vineyard to Tempranillo and Pinot Noir. Between 2007 and 2015, he visited Australia and New Zealand working at several wineries during their harvest seasons. Today, he also makes wines for his Oregon neighbors, most recently the Peter William brand, and has worked several vintages for a winery in Texas.

With his own winery, he makes a wide variety, adding and dropping wines from time to time. He simply enjoys making wines because, as he says, “No two days are the same and there is always more to learn about wine.”

 Let the Terroir Speak

It may be a cliche, but Eric truly believes that great wines are made in the vineyard. And he backs that up by focusing on single vineyard wines. He works not only with his estate vineyard but sources grapes from independent growers and even other wineries for his single vineyard program.

As he explains, “Our goal as winemakers is to let this terroir come through in the expression of the fruit and in the finished wine, with minimal interference. Rather than using a lot of oak, we focus on cultivating the highest quality fruit, and let the terroir speak for itself.”

The Current Wine Roster

Ten wines were available at the winery during my last visit, and over this summer another 5 or 6 will be released. If you look for a pattern or theme, don’t bother. There is none, only an eclectic mix of Rhone, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Spanish, varietals and blends.

 I almost forgot there was a first-ever Gamay and a Tannat being offered to members and visitors that day. BTW: The 2023 Tannat, sourced from the only vineyard In the Rogue Valley, growing that variety, is a rich, beautiful rendition. Lucky club members!

 Back in 2020, he made an attractive Touriga Nacional from the Gold Vineyard. In 2021, his Malbec from the Peter William Vineyard went off the charts. Well, you get the point.

But the main point is that Weisinger is the proverbial treasure trove of high quality, small batch, hand made wines with the personal touch of a winegrower.

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Because there are so many small batch wines, the best approach is to take it slow, one flight or deep dive at a time.

So what follows are my notes and reviews from the initial dip, not quite a dive.

 The scores are there to keep to a consistent format used when posting reviews on winereviewonline.com 

Sampling  Current Releases

Weisinger Family Winery, Applegate Valley Cole Family Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2024 $34

Drawing from his experience in New Zealand, Weisinger works with Cole Family Vineyards, a small organic vineyard located in Williams Oregon, a region among the coolest within the Rogue Valley. This is the second vintage I’ve tasted from this vineyard, and both are among my favs. 

In 2024, the fruit ripened in mid-September and the wine was barrel fermented and aged for six months in neutral French oak. The result is a Sauvignon with high toned aromatics of green apple, lemongrass and verbena. Medium bodied, firm and balanced, with lots of bright fruit (melon, and apple) on the palate, it finishes on a crisp note. Overall, it has more depth than New Zealand Sauvignon. 134 cases made. 92

Weisinger Family Winery, Rogue Valley Avra Vineyard Viognier 2024 $36

 Vibrant and balanced from the first sip to the finish, here’s a Viognier that’s easy to like. The steep (2221 ft) hillside Avra Vineyard was planted in 2005, and Eric has also made a Grenache and Sauvignon Blanc from this nearby vineyard. In 2024 the grapes were harvested in late September and the wine is barrel fermented and aged for 6 months in neutral French oak. Light yellow in color, this Viognier combines white peach and apricot fruit with subtle hints of jasmine. Medium full in body, it delivers lively peach and honeysuckle flavors with a touch of green tea popping up toward the finish. More subtle and vibrant than powerful, it ends on a  mouth-watering note.  116 cases made  93

Weisinger Family Winery, Rogue Valley Tempranillo 2023 $49

From the family’s steep, high elevation (2235 feet) vineyard behind the winery, Tempranillo is emerging as the winery’s signature wine.  In 2023 the fruit was harvested in mid-October at a healthy 25 Brix. The wine was barrel aged for 17 months in 35% new French oak. From the first sip it becomes clear this is a generously flavored wine. Dark in color with an enticing aroma of black fruit and anise, along with cloves, it is medium full bodied. Plush and round on the palate, it offers rich, ripe black cherry flavors and spice. No hard edges here, just well-integrated tannins and attractive ripe fruit to make it a versatile, food companion. 91

A 2022 Reserve Tempranillo aged longer in oak, it much more layered and structured, similar to

An age-worthy Rioja Reserve. A  detailed review is set for the next dive session.

Weisinger Family Winery, Rogue Valley  Buxton Vineyard Grenache 2022 $40

Planted in 2015 and located along the Rogue River, Buxton is a new source of Grenache for Weisinger. This vintage was aged in French oak, 30% new and is a rich, fruit-forward style of Grenache. Deep in color, it displays aromas of black cherry, pomegranate with back notes of cloves. Round, smooth and polished on the palate, it delivers bright cherry and cranberry flavors. With soft, integrated tannins, this is a drink now red that can be enjoyed with a wide range of entrees. 90

Weisinger Family Winery, Rogue Valley GSM 2023 $40

This is a winemaker’s wine with each component harvested from a separate vineyard over three days in mid-October. You can imagine the number of different lots after the fermentation process. Anyway the final blend consisted of 49% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 21% Mourvedre and it was aged  French oak, 30% new. Deep dark in color with lively fragrances of 

plum with a touch of leather and white pepper. Medium bodied with juicy cherry and plum fruit flavors backed by dried herbs and pepper. With well-integrated tannins, it finishes with a layer of yummy plum fruit and earthiness. Overall, quite charming, and yet has the depth and complexity to be ever so food friendly. Then again, isn’t that what a GSM is all about?  108 cases made  92

Though it was not planned, it became apparent when going over these wines and the notes that a common thread is their food affinity. Quite a few wines are too heavy, ripe or powerful to make you think of what to enjoy them with during a tasting. 

Food for thought?

Holiday Wine Sales: Budget-Friendly Tips for Shoppers

Now with the crazy days of holiday shopping hype coming at us from every direction, the major online wine retailers and wine merchants are also doing their best to get our attention. 

Although these Prime, Cyber, Black Friday and what have you holiday sales are now an annual event, lots of circumstances have changed over the last 2 years. People in general are much more focused on soaring prices of eggs and gasoline, or whatever their reference point may be. 

The phrase “sticking to a budget” is now heard in so many circles.

Because wine sales have trailed off over the last 2 years or so, these holiday sales will be closely watched. As of now, wine prices haven’t spiraled because tariffs haven’t made an impact on prices. 

The fact is that there is a glut or over-supply of wines and we have seen the number of wine producers entering the discount world increase as many once solid wineries feel the need to reduce prices to move inventory.

Wine is different from eggs and gas because it is a discretionary product, meaning not vital or necessary. Well, to all but a few of us. If there has been a lesson those in the wine biz should have learned over the last two years as wine sales dipped, it is that non-snobby wine lovers are really no different than other consumers and now realize a need to be extra careful about sticking to a  wine budget. That often means having a target maximum price or price point when buying wine. 

What’s Going on in Online Wine Sales

When previewing t several of the Black Friday deals, I can’t help but notice the many luxury or cult wines that are over $100 a bottle are now being offered at deep discounts. Online seller winespies.com offered the 2020 Caymus Special Selection at $147 ($225 regular price), vivino.com announced a culty Chardonnay for $34.99, regular price $90, while lastbottle.com featured a Pouilly-Fuise for $34, regularly $100.  Another site had the 2018 Beringer Reserve Cabernet at $87.50, roughly 50% off. Earlier this week there was a “sale” of the 2022 Joseph Phelps Insignia, which retails for $350-$400 at $195 a bottle. 

Don’t know about you, but to me even these discounted prices still are not budget-friendly. High ratings and non-stop hype are behind so many of these exorbitant prices.  Some might argue that many wines priced in the 3 digit range are on allocation or enjoy a cult following. Then one wonders why some are offered online to begin with and often at deep discounts. We’ll probably never get a consistent explanation, but that shouldn’t stop us from shopping the sales.

Insider Tips for Savvy Wine Shoppers

One great website to find truly fine and reasonably priced wines is wtso.com  What stood out to me is that its Black Friday sales on November 28-29 has an end of the year Clearance Sale. While it continues with its daily flash sale, wtso has many attractive, highly rated wines in its clearance sale. With a few bottles priced at $11.99, the list is heavy in Italian wines but also has something for every wine drinker. At $19.99 a bottle, you can buy the 2024 Calculated Risk Cabernet, the 2021 Havens Cellars Red Blend, and the 2022 Left Coast Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. An Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel topped the list of the $11.99  specials.

Wine Access is another website that has dozens of great wines for the budget minded Black Friday shopper. At wineaccess.com  the sale works by knocking an extra 20% off their already discounted prices. For example the 2022 Zinfandel from Marietta Cellars is listed for $25, but with the added discount sells for $20 a bottle.THe extra discount is applied at check out.

 Those wines that stood out to me before the discounts are the Three Wine Company Old Vine Field Blend ($28), Meeker 2022 Grenache ($22), 2023 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc ($29), 2022 La Vigne Paso Robles Merlot ($21) and a San Luis Obispo Chardonnay from Oceano Vineyards( $18). Others are the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Oregon’s Solena Estate. And if you like wines from Australia, Argentina, and France, wineaccess.com has something for you at Black Friday prices.

Another site pushing its Black Friday sales also with a large inventory is wineexpress.com A few caught my attention, especially the J. Dusi Cabernet “The Don” from Paso at $22.49. J. Dusi is a favorite of mine. Also, there’s the Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay for $13.47 and a Reverdy 2021 Cotes du Rhone for $7.47. 

The California Wine Club, one of the oldest, has announced its Black Friday 50% off sale. The sale will continue through Sunday. At $12.50 the 2022 Armida Zinfandel from Dry Creek and the Eden Rift Sauvignon Blanc, also at $12.50 are excellent deals. The full list is worth checking out at cawineclub.com 

When the Dust Settles

These holiday sales will likely be extended way beyond the holidays, but they will end. Most of these are flash sales, daily deals or one-time only sales which not everyone is comfortable with because of the need to act quickly.

Budget-Friendly Paso Robles Wines Under $25

With the crazy days of holiday shopping hype coming at us from every direction, all the major online wine retailers and wine merchants are also doing their best to get our attention. If there has been a lesson learned over the last two years as wine sales dipped, it is that wine lovers are really no different than other consumers and now realize they need to be extra careful about sticking to a budget. 

 When word got out that the average price of a Napa Valley wine was $108 a bottle, normal people probably explored alternatives. If you count yourself among the budget minded, normal people then let me share my latest wine shopping discovery. Though I’ve been following it for years, Paso Robles has emerged as a leader when it comes to quality for the price.

Paso Robles remains one of the most energized and dynamic wine regions even in these difficult times. At least it is to me. Paso Robles came alive back in 1998 when the Rhone Rangers began holding their annual event there which was followed up in 2010 by the annual Garigists wine festival. Though once just a lonely way station midway between San Francisco and LA, Paso has also come on strong as a tourist destination. And here in 2025 there’s lots of excitement in the hotel and culinary scenes.

 With so many possible story angles staring at me, one that caught my eye during a recent trip to the SoCal Coast was the way so many Paso Robles wines are beginning to dominate wine lists and special deals in wine shops. We’re talking high end restaurants, sommelier-managed wine lists.

Que Pasa Paso?

Why? Beyond quality and availability, the one pattern that emerged is that the trend setting wineries in Paso know how to hit today’s magic price point. When looking back over my recent tasting notes, it was amazing to see so many of my Paso favorites selling for around $25 a bottle or less. My gut feeling is that today’s savvy wine shoppers see $25 as the top price that fits their budget. Maybe $29.99 if a wine strikes them as exceptional. 

The Paso Players

The Paso wineries I see as major players in this trend are a mix of well-established names like Ancient Peaks and J. Lohr and newcomers. A few others belong to major marketing companies, and many are your Mom & Pop family folks. Most of the wines are red which is no big surprise. Overall, when you visit the Tin City wineries or many others, the energy level and enthusiasm is reminiscent of Napa before 2000. Paso has become a magnet for creative maverick winemakers and outliers. Just recently Napa’s Tank Garage Winery joined the Paso scene. Check it out and you’ll get my point.

As for wines, Paso was noted early on for Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and the Rhones, and these are all included in the price point $25 club. But Cabernets, Bordeaux blends and other creative blends are well-represented and seem to be replacing Napa wines on many wine lists and also in the minds of many wine lovers.

So now that we’ve plugged in the destination on our map, “let’s go” to the top Paso wines hovering around the  $25 price point. 

First Stop: Petite Sirah and Zinfandel

Peachy Canyon Paso Robles (California) Petite Sirah 2021 $20

Best known for its bold Zinfandels, Peachy Canyon also has a good track record for Petites in a rich but supple style. Deep dark in color, this 2021 offers an aroma of sweet black fruit and fig along with some dried herbs. It turns plush and smooth on the palate driven by a solid core of blackberry flavors and light oak. It finishes long and seamless. With its lovely silky texture and subtle oak notes, it is well-knit and ready to drink now.  90

Brady Vineyards Paso Robles Petite Sirah 2021  $20

 After honing his winemaking skills in Texas, Don Brady went West to work for Robert Hall in Paso Robles. In 2006 he acquired a 24 acre vineyard and began focusing on Paso red wines.

If you like Paso Petite, Brady checks all of the boxes. His 2021 was aged in French oak for 18 months. Dark in color, it has that  intense, ripe blackberry aroma with some black pepper that sets the varietal apart. Full-bodied with concentrated flavors of blackberries, boysenberries and some vanilla bean, it is tight and concentrated on the palate with light tannin and oak.  More powerful than nuanced, but fairly well-mannered, it could benefit from a little cellaring to soften. But with decanting, it would serve you well as a complement to most smoked meats and, to me, especially with osso buco. Also, a good value. 90

The Big, Red Monster Lot #2 Paso Robles, Zinfandel $20

Yes, here’s a Paso red wine that boasts about being big. Now owned by War Room Cellars based in San Luis Obispo, this brand began in 2005 as a partnership between winemakers Bob Pepi (formerly of Robert Pepi winery) and Jeff Booth (formerly of Conn Creek). The brand was relaunched in 2019 and aimed at a market that loves big and powerful wines. Promoted as a “savage beast,” this Lot #2 is Zinfandel blended with Petite Sirah and Tannat. After an extended maceration “for bigger extraction,” it was aged in French and American oak, 20% new. While definitely big, ripe and juicy, it offers an attractive aroma of blackberry and pepper with some spiciness. On the palate it is round but ultra soft and has enough fruitiness to keep the tannin and alcohol at bay. 91

Next, let’s move on to Syrah

McPrice Myers Central Coast (California) Right Hand Man Syrah 2023 $ 20

Headquartered in Paso Robles, this winery enjoyed a cult-like following for its red wines. They usually are given unusual names like “High on the Hog” and “Right Hand Man.”  Blending Central Coast fruit, winemaker Mac Myers crafts this well-rendered Syrah that offers depth and approachability at a very attractive price.  Aged 10 months in neutral oak, it has a lovely aroma of ripe plum with secondary fragrances of pepper, spice and leather. Nothing overdone or funky here, this Syrah is rich and smooth on the palate delivering savory flavors of fresh berries, plums and spice. The tannins are soft and add roundness to the texture. Syrah lovers should keep a bottle of this “Right Hand Man” close at hand. Wine lovers should check out this winery. 92

Ancient Peaks Winery Paso Robles, Santa Margarita Ranch Renegade 2020 $26

With its “Renegade” blend, Ancient Peaks has been successful in working with Paso Syrah to come up with an attractive drink now red.  I like the way it tones down the gamey, meaty side of Syrah but still emphasizes its fruit. In 2020 the final blend was 67% Syrah, 27% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec.  The individual components are cold soaked and after fermentation they are aged for 20 months in French and American oak, 20% new.  Dark in color, the wine shows a pleasing mix of Syrah’s dark fruit along with subtle fresh berries. It continues with this combination and adds some coffee and oak toast and spice in the flavors. Nicely structured with modest tannins, it finishes with simple fruit and good length. Excellent all-purpose red. 90

Turning to The Main Event: Cabernets

 Daou Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2021 $25

This dark, ripe and juicy Cabernet is made for those who like it plump and chunky. The aroma of dark, ripe fruit with hints of anise and dried herbs sets you up for a big, rich mouthfilling wine with light toasty oak and tannins providing structure. With some airing the flavors open to reveal nuances of black tea and berry fruit before the youthful tannins are picked up to carry this to its rugged, sturdy finish.This full-bodied Cab is a blend of 83% Cabernet with 9% Petite Verdot and a splash of Merlot and it was aged for 10 months in 50% new French oak. It is a lot of wine for the money. 91

Groundwork Wine Co. Paso Robles (California) Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023 $23

Groundwork Wine is a new line of wines from Curt Schalchin of Sans Liege which is noted for its high-end Rhone blends. With Groundwork, he focuses on good value varietal wines from Paso Robles and this 2023 Cabernet confirms that Paso Robles is the real deal for great value Cabs. This 2023 is made from three vineyards within Paso, and the wine, blended with 12% Petit Verdot, was aged in neutral oak for 18 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it delivers plenty of ripe black fruit with hints of black pepper and bay leaf. With light tannin, it is firmly structured and has an aftertaste of black cherry and spice. Enjoy now through 2028.  92

The Fableist Wine Co. Paso Robles (Central Coast) “373” Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 $25

Andrew Jones, winemaker for Field Recordings and Curt Schalchlin, owner of Sans Liege combine their talents for the Fableist collection of wines. The names are based on Aesop’s Fables, and apparently, judging from the label, fable #373 is about ants and bugs. Or whatever! Moving on to the wine, in the 2022 vintage the fruit was picked earlier than usual due to the heat wave. Fermented in tanks and aged in American oak barrels, 10% new, the final blend was 85% Cabernet filled out by Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah. Once poured, this wine shows fresh blackberry and currant aromas and flavors with youthful tannin poking through. With aeration, it slowly opens and adds a little spice and cedar to accompany the  juicy dark fruits. Needs time to settle down and should be decanted.  A good value for a Paso Cab. 90

Maddalena Paso Robles Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon  2021 $24.

Part of the Riboli family’s expanding portfolio, Maddalena offers white wines from Monterey and reds from the estate vineyards in Paso Robles. Blended with 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, this Cabernet was partially aged (45%) in small oak. It is all about ultra ripe black fruit such as black cherry and plum in aroma and flavor. Medium full bodied, it comes across as plush on the palate with plenty of tannin and oak spice. It finishes on a slight tannic note.

Overall this is an attractive fruit-forward Cabernet for current drinking.  89

Paso D’Oro Wines Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 $23

Paso D’Oro is a relatively new brand created by the Terlato family which owns prime properties like Chimney Rock, Rutherford Hill, Sanford among others. This 2023 was sourced from 4 AVAs within Paso, and the wine was aged in neutral oak and blended with 24% Petite Sirah. Deep and dark in the glass,  it opens quickly with attractive black fruit with accents of clove and spice. Quite full bodied with rich flavors supported by velvety tannins. Smooth finish. With loads of terrific ripe fruit, pleasing texture, and some complexity, this is a great choice for current enjoyment.  91

Tooth & Nail Wine Co. Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 $26

This is an old review, but it is from the winery that ignited my interest in Paso Cabernets.This vintage was presented in a unique bottle that requires a detailed background explanation and an APP to download.  But the wine inside is first-rate and a wonderful example of Paso Cabernet. Saying it “reinvented the wine label,” the winery created an augmented reality label that with the app will sing to you. Literally sing, honest. From its deep purple color to its rich, ripe aromatics, this wine sings on its own. Initial aromas of chocolate and spice give way to ripe blackberry and oak spice. It is big-bodied with a smooth unctuous texture. The flavors remain focused on ripe black fruit with dusty oak tannin in the background. The finish is long with good acidity keeping it balanced throughout. The current vintage is 2022 and sells for $28. 

Quest Austin Hope Winemaker, Paso Robles Cabernet Franc 2023 $23

The “Quest”  label is the Hope family’s long-term  commitment to Paso Cabernet Franc, and prior vintages contained some % of Cab Sauvignon. This is the first vintage made entirely from Cab Franc. The majority of the fruit sourced for the 2023 Quest Cabernet Franc was from the Creston District, Future vintages will also incorporate fruit from the Highlands District and Adelaida District.  You don’t need a SOMM course to recognize this is Cab Franc. The aroma is a textbook combination of plums, dried herbs and tobacco leaf. Medium bodied and solid, it is lively with plum and licorice flavors. Some briary tannins give a little push to the finish. Sort of like a footballer’s “tush push.”  A red to enjoy with grilled meats and rich pastas. 90

J Lohr Wines Paso Robles Los Osos Merlot 2022  $15

This Merlot is hard to beat at this price. J.Lohr’s Merlot is planted in the relatively cool El Pomar District. Blended with a big splash of Malbec (10%) and a dash of Cabernet Franc (5%), this 2022 was aged for 12 months in American oak. In an approachable and lively style, it opens with an aroma of fresh plums and light spice. Medium bodied and balanced, it offers plum and cherry flavors in a smooth package. Not flashy, just easy to enjoy.

WHITES

Sans Liege Wines Central Coast Cotes du Coast 2023 $20

Based in Paso Robles, winemaker Curt Schalchlin is a noted Rhone wine specialist. But as evidenced by his artsy labels and unconventional wine descriptions, he does things differently. Sourcing from some of the best known vineyards in Santa Barbara and elsewhere, he assembled this blend of 36% Viognier, 32% Marsanne, 17% Clairette, 11% Roussanne, and 4% Grenache Blanc. All but the Grenache are barrel fermented by native yeasts and lees aged in French oak. But the wine is, surprisingly given its composition, a smooth, subtle and lively ready to drink white. It immediately gets your attention with fresh peach, lemon and honeysuckle aromas. Medium bodied, nicely textured and vibrant, it offers stone fruit flavors and has a long finish that is neither bitter nor acidic. Charming and fun to drink and nicely priced to boot.

92

Ancient Peaks Winery Paso Robles Santa Margarita Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2023 $18 

Made from the coolest blocks within the family’s estate vineyard, this 2023 also benefited from the relatively cool growing season. It is pale straw in color and shows plenty of vibrant fruit such as melon and pear along with light ginger and flintiness. Medium bodied, it continues with flavors of melon and lemongrass. In the crisp but lengthy finish, I pick up subtle hints of ginger and  apple. Aged for 6 months in stainless, it makes a good case for unoaked Sauvignon Blanc and pairs well with a wide range of entrees. 91

One Stone Cellars Central Coast Rose of Pinot Noir 2024 $18

One Stone is a brand created by Ancient Peaks Winery in Paso to support mentoring programs for women venturing into the wine business. The label’s image projects moving mountains one stone at a time. From the estate vineyard in Paso and others in the Central Coast, this Rose is made 100% from Pinot Noir that was grown and harvested solely for Rose production. Aged 4 months in stainless steel, it is a big friendly wine that is all about fresh strawberry and juicy watermelon aromas and flavors. Smooth and round on the palate, it finishes with a touch of acidity to sustain its lively personality. 90

Wait, There’s More

The wines mentioned so far are good examples of the great deals from Paso Robles, but they are just a solid beginning. 

The Harvey & Harriet label, associated with Booker Vineyards, offers an attractive Red Blend from Paso and a White Blend from San Luis Obispo. Both are priced below $25.

Another wine to check out is named Big, Bold Red. It is a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah. 

Highlands 41 is a new brand from the Riboli Family. Among the first to hit the market is its 2017 “Darkness,” Estate Reserve selling for $15.00  

So, that’s for now. Many of the reviews you see here are available at www.winereviewonline.com 

Go to the sight, and specify Paso Robles to see a lot more reviews of good value wines.

Sales Alert!

At Tooth & Nail which is one of my favs. Great wines from Paso and the Central Coast.

Shop at  toothandnailwine.com

Here you go:

“We are opening our warehouse for a major sale of all of our wines.

All of our wines are now 40% off and if you’re a member with us, you’ll receive an additional 10% off, making all of our wines 50% off for our members.

Since our tasting room is closed, this is an online offer only with complimentary shipping on orders of $100 or more.”

While supplies last. All sales are final.

For reviews, see the reviews at winereviewonline.com

I love the Syrahs and gave one of their Grenache a score of 97 points!

There are several different labels, such as:

Amor Fati: Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all from cool climates.

For me, these 4 were love at first taste. All scored 92 points or higher. See reviews at 

http://www.winereviewonline.com

 Stasis: Pinot Noir from Santa Maria and a Viognier. Both excellent.
Destinata: Drink now, no fanfare Chenin Blanc, Riesling, and Syrah. All good. All fun. Especially the drink-now style Syrah. The dry Riesling and Chenin will surprise you.

Kick off 2024 by Getting Naked (Wines, that is)

Kick Off 2024 by Getting Naked (Wines, that is)

Yesterday NakedWines announced that during the entire month of January it has slashed the price of all its single bottles and cases by 50%. And you don’t have to sign up because no subscription is required,

The half-price deal applies sitewide though a six-bottle minimum purchase applies.

NakedWines offered about 500 wines from around the world with the majority from Caiifornia and the Northwest. One of the biggest online dealers, it experienced a few big bumps in the road recently with management changes and lower than expected sales growth.

Though I’m not a big fan of NakedWines with its annoying talk about subscribers as “angels,” I have bought wines and reviewed the website. It claims to have 300,000 subscribers.

Another issue I had was the arbitrary basic prices given since it can come up with any price it wants to. But at 50% off, things have changed.

I’m also quite familiar with some of the winemakers who put their names on the labels. You can read all about the way so-called “angels” support the winemakers, but there’s much better use of time here to talk about the wines on sale.

So I put together a case of wine that I as a veteran wine critic would recommend and would personally enjoy as a consumer. For the 12 wines selected which were said to have a market value of $409.88 my purchase price was $92.38. The $100 voucher offered me helped.And these vouchers are widely available.

Now to the chosen 12:

Scott Steingraber Building Bridges Rogue Valley Viognier 2021 $12.49

Scott Steingraber Building Bridges Rogue Valley Tempranillo 2022 $19.49

Matt Parish “The 24” Contra Costa Zinfandel 2021 $15.99

Dave Harvey Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Franc 2021 $13.99

Michaud Columbia Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2021 $10.49

Mick Schroeter Russian River Chardonnay 2022 $14.99

F. Stephen Millier Black Label Calaveras Zinfandel 2021 $11.99

DRG Daryl Groom Reserve Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2021 $24.99

Scott Kelley Oregon Tempranillo 2021 $17.49

Sharon Weeks Cattoo Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 $14.99

Scott Kelley Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2022 $16.99

DRG Daryl Groom Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 $18.49

Again, at 50% off,  my price for these 12 wines is $92.38.

So, as you can see I prefer its red wines much more than whites and roses. 

And I avoid the imports because whether from South America, Europe, or other countries, they are bottled in the USA. 

A Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile or Malbec from Argentina imported and bottled in Lodi or in Napa’s American Canyon? That means they arrived by trucks and boats in large containers and have been pumped and fiddled with. Some I tasted were ok at best, but others were not.

As for other advice, it is better to act quickly because over its history when it runs out of some wines nakedwines then suggests replacements. That can go bad.

Labor Day Sales: We Got A Winner

Just when I was about to give up on Labor Day wine sales, this message arrived:

“Up to 80% off on 250+ wines”

Well, not all wines are 80% off, but there were many excellent deals. The big surprise was wines under $10, but I found many to like for under $20. 

 The winner is  www.wineExpress.com

Here are are my choices for best deals:

2020 Barossa Valley Shiraz $7.47

2020 Château Suau Rose, Bordeaux $7.47

2 from Lodi:

2019 Judd’s Hill Zinfandel $15.47

2018 Berghad Cabernet Sauvignon $13.47

2 Oregon Pinot Noir:

2018 Lazy River Yamhill Carlton, $17.47

2018 Belle Fiori, Rogue Valley $10.47

2 Best Reds:

2019 Chateau Bourdieu, Bordeaux $12.47

2019 McBride Sisters Central Coast $14.47

Browse the list to find those you prefer. Many big names with big price tags are included.

Shipping is free on any 12 bottle order.

My Overview of wineExpress.com

wineExpress.com tries to balance “value and service” which suggests it is neither a giant warehouse nor a down-and-dirty discount site.  It is the exclusive online wine shop partner of The Wine Enthusiast catalog and website. So it is well-financed and has an excellent facility for storage and shipping.

It really leads the online field in big-named wines like Gaja, Dominus, Sassicaia, Shafer, Caymus Special Select, and, yes Perrier-Jouet and Dom…all slightly discounted with the Sassicaia 25% below retail. 

The site works through the usual sorting procedures with click on searches by variety, price and region. It also offers several wine club options and gift packages.

But, and this is interesting. It also sorts the Labor Day list by “Woman Owned” and “Minority Owned.”

One special touch is a series of videos taking you through tastings that are conducted by Josh Farrell, its Wine Director.

He often runs through the daily wine special which can then be purchased. He is one excellent swirler, BTW, and he encourages decanting and/or aerating young wine.

You can learn a lot about judging wine by watching a few of his videos.

And throughout the year this site continues to offer several good value wines under $20.

Wines to Buy at 3-Day Sales Event

At WTSO.com 

The 3-day sale with rotating stock starts today.

It is a case sale, with all wine offered at $150 a case with free shipping

The wines ordered ship the next day

And for those uncomfortable with math: The per bottle price is $12.49!!

Explores the sale at http://www.WTSO.com (Wines ‘Til Sold Out)

What I’m buying:

2018 Château de Ribebon  AOC Bordeaux Superieur (70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet, 10% Cab Franc)

2022 Chateau Lamothe, Bordeaux Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon)

2020 Tresors de Loire Chinon (Cabernet Franc)

The two Bordeaux wines are extremely attractive.

The Chinon is an excellent example of Loire Valley Cab Franc, especially at 60% below retail

All three are rated 90+.

Don’t like these: There are several red wines from Lodi if you like that style.

BEST SUMMER SIPPER WINE SALE

SEE IT AT  http://www.cawineclub.com

One of the oldest online wine sellers, the California Wine Club has a solid reputation for pricing and reliability. So it comes as no surprise that several small wineries looking for new sales outlets have discovered it.

And you should see what it is offering right now.

The summer sippers for under $20 are led by two of my favorites, each at $10.99:

2021 Clos La Chance Estate Sauvignon Blanc

2018 South Coast Winery Viognier

For the Pinot Grigio lover, check out the Mountain View Winery’s at $16.99

And there are two first rate wines from Brutocao Cellars in Mendocino: Chardonnay and

Cabernet Sauvignon

The selection at the cawineclub changes as new wineries catch on and offer their wine.

Among recent additions that are out of the ordinary are Malbec From Yorkville Cellars, a Carmenere made by Plaisance Ranch and one of the most sought after dry Rieslings, the 2020 Poet’s Leap from Long Shadow.

 the EX Monterey Pinot Noir from Wrath wines is another hard to find wine

Not all wines are deeply discounted as this club also functions like a traditional retailer.

And it offers hard to find wines like this beauty from Joel Peterson:

2020 Once and Future Zinfandel, Teldeschi Vineyard, Frank’s Block

With occasional new offerings like that, you owe it to yourself to check out the site

Specializing in small, family owned wineries, most from California, the site works smoothly with 4 categories: 

Super Savers

Artisan and Under $50

For Connoisseurs

Recent Club Features

Frequently, this club has a $1 case shipping deal, so it is wise to get on the email list.

End of February Wine Sale

Get ready to cherry pick a big wine sale featuring 150 wines at 40-50% price reductions

And $5 case shipping. 

Highlights: 150 wines up for sale

The website: vintagewineestates.com 

On Tuesday the 28th, Vintage Wine Estates will offer 150 wines from its portfolio of wineries. 

The collection ranges from top notch wineries like Owen Roe, Qupe, Kunde, Laetitia, Clos Pegase and several others that are fully functional real wineries.

And, yes, the portfolio includes your basic supermarket brands like cherry pie and layer cake.

VWE as the company likes to be called, has so far encouraged many of its wineries to function as they always have.

It added a new brand “Bar Dog” that may appeal to some of you.

And I do like to fun/pun it created with the brand, “If You See Kay.” 

Here are the wineries to look for in this sale:

Owen Roe Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and other reds from Red Willow Vineyard

Tamarack  Firehouse Red for $12

Qupe Grenache $18

Laetitia Pinot Noir

Kunde Zinfandel

B.R. Cohn Chardonnay, Cabernet

Delectus Napa Valley

Can’t  find anything you like? Well then, just If You See Kay it!

A Year End Clearance Sale Not to be Missed

winespies.com has a wine sale unlike any other in my experience.

What a great opportunity to stock up on wines and wonderful way to ring in the New Year!!

The clearance consists of well-established, big names and recent cult-wine candidates like my most recent discovery, Giornata in Paso Robles.

There’s an added wrinkle as in each day the discounts are deeper, but the wines may disappear If you hesitate.

So, first go to the website, study the procedure for its “top secret Clearance” and go through the list to see what appeals to you.

Meanwhile, here’s the list with my suggestions highlighted in bold.

Excellent selection of Napa Cabs and Chateauneuf-du-Pape!!

I could say more, but time is critical.

The list:

Bodegas Corral 2017 ‘Altos’ Single Estate Crianza Rioja
Bodegas Orán 2017 ‘Soleá’ Valdebebas Rioja
The Vice 2020 ‘Carbone’ Single Vineyard Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon
Paolo Manzone 2020 ‘Mirinè’ Nebbiolo d’Alba
Château Grand Moulin 2017 ‘Réserve Elysée’ Corbières
BoutenacXavier Vignon 2020 ‘Cuvée Anonyme’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Mazzei 2019 ‘Philip’ Toscana IGT Cabernet Sauvignon
Domaine du Grand Tinel 2019 ‘Classique’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Bodegas Manzanos 2001 ‘Vino de Autor’ Voché Rioja
The Vice 2020 ‘The Hostage’ Single Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Viñedos de Páganos 2007 El Puntido Gran Reserva Rioja
Empress Vineyards 2019 Los Carneros Reserve Pinot Noir
Cuvée Wine Cellars 2014 Carneros Merlot
ALTA 2018 ‘NorCal’ Atlas Peak Napa Valley Cabernet Blend
Luca Bosio 2018 BaroloAveraen 2019 ‘Flood Line’
Chehalem Mountains Chardonnay
CVNE 2015 ‘Viña Real’ Gran Reserva Rioja
Giornata 2019 ‘Gemellaia’ Paso Robles Proprietary Red
Esk Valley 2016 ‘The Terraces’ Hawke’s Bay Proprietary Red
Kendric Vineyards 2018 Petaluma Gap Estate Pinot Noir
Château Magrez Fombrauge 2011 St.-Émilion Grand Cru
Bodegas Manzanos 2009 ‘125 Aniversario’ Reserva Rioja
Gorman Winery 2018 ‘The Devil You Don’t Know’ Columbia Valley Red
Palladian 2018 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Diego Conterno 2017 BaroloTeso
la Monja 2018 ‘Victorino’ Toro
Domaine de Rosiers 2019 ‘Cuvée Drevon’ Côte-Rôtie
Château Lafleur du Roy 2019 ‘Les Lavandières’ Pomerol
Maison Champy 2017 Beaune 1er Cru
Luigi Vico 2017 Prapò Barolo
Galerie 2017 ‘Pleinair’ Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Le Clos du Caillou 2020 ‘Les Quartz’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Domaine Chanson 2018 Beaune Clos des Mouches Rouge 1er Cru
Château de Vaudieu 2019 ‘L’Avenue’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Xavier Vignon 2012 ‘Cuvée Anonyme’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Grattamacco 2018 ‘Grattamacco’ Bolgheri Superiore
Elvio Cogno 2017 Ravera Barolo
Shannon Family 2020 ‘Devil’s Well’ Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Bodegas Viyuela 2017 White Label Crianza Ribera del Duero
La Pitchoune 2019 Holder Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Rocca di Montegrossi 2016 ‘San Marcellino’ Gran Selezione
Charles Smith 2017 Substance ‘Cs’ Stoneridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Frisson 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Domaine Chanson 2018 Beaune Clos des Mouches Blanc 1er Cru
Bodegas Breca 2018 ‘Brega’ Calatayud
Château Montlandrie 2012 Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux
GrapeHeart Vineyards 2016 ‘GHV’ Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Caiarossa 2015 ‘Caiarossa’ IGT Toscana
Château Jean Faure 2019 St.-Émilion Grand Cru
Cantina di Negrar 2019 ‘Le Preare’ Ripasso della Valpolicella Superiore
Beau Vigne 2019 ‘Juliet’ Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
Roberto Cavalli 2018 Tenuta degli Dei Toscana IGT
Talley Vineyards 2019 Rincon Vineyard Estate Grenache
Domaine Bertagna 2016 Les Plantes Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru
Domaine Bertagna 2016 Clos de la Perrière Monopole Vougeot 1er Cru
Domaine Raymond Usseglio 2019 ‘Cuvée Impériale’ Vignes CentenairesChâteauneuf-du-Pape
Domaine Chanson 2018 Corton-Vergennes Blanc Grand Cru
Tenet 2015 ‘GSM’ Columbia Valley Red
Shannon Family 2019 Giannecchini Vineyard Cabernet Blend
Wine Guerrilla 2018 Hemar Vineyard Alexander Valley Zinfandel
Saddleback Cellars 2017 Napa Valley Merlot
Markus Molitor 2019 Zeltinger Sonnenuhr Mosel Riesling GKA***
Domaine du Grand Tinel 2019 ‘Alexis Establet’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Warwick Estate 2018 ‘The Blue Lady’ Stellenbosch Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Sanford 2015 ‘Fountain Hills’ Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
Bibi Graetz 2019 ‘Testamatta 20 Anniversario’ Toscana IGT
Montevetrano 2018 Colli di Salerno IGT Cabernet Blend
Salvatore Molettieri 2012 ‘Vigna Cinque Querce’ Taurasi
Viñedos del Contino 2016 ‘Contino’ Reserva Rioja
Maison Passot Les Rampaux 2020 Régnié Cru Beaujolais
Gagliole 2018 ‘Valetta’ Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT
DAOU 2019 ‘Patrimony’ Adelaida District Cabernet Sauvignon
GAJA 2015 ‘Sorì San Lorenzo’ Barbaresco
Larkmead 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Ad Vivum 2018 Sleeping Lady Vineyard Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon
Apsara Cellars 2015 Amoenus Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Maison Champy 2018 Chassagne-Montrachet