Winemaker Interview: Rob Davis, Jordan Aug 26, 2008
Winemaker Rob Davis has been at the iconic Jordan winery since its founding in 1976. The Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon was an immediate success and helped establish Sonoma County's Alexander Valley as one of the great Cabernet terroirs of California. Rob joins Robert for a conversation that looks back at Jordan over the years.
Winemaker Interview: Harry Peterson Nedry, Chahalem Winery Aug 21, 2008
Veteran Oregon winemaker Harry Peterson Nedry of Chahalem Winery joins Robert for a conversation on Oregon Pinot Noir and the new clones that have improved Oregon Chardonnay in recent vintages.
Michael Apstein on Burgundy's '05 Vintage Aug 15, 2008
Our good friend and Wine Review Online colleague, Michael Apstein, stops by to chat about a subject near and dear -- for he is a certified Francophile -- and that would be the spectacular 2005 vintage in Burgundy. And Michael has some ideas about how to enjoy the bounty without taking too big a hit in the wallet.
Winemaker Interview: Janet Myers, Mount Veeder Part II Aug 15, 2008
Janet Myers and Matt Ashby, the winemaker and vineyard manager of Mount Veeder Winery, continue with Robert into the second half-hour. It is Matt's challenge to deliver great winegrapes to Janet, which she then crafts into bold, intense Napa Cabernet for the ages. Part II is approximately 25 minutes.
Winemaker Interview: Andrew Hood, Frogmore Creek Aug 13, 2008
Andrew Hood's wines -- Frogmore Creek and 42 Degrees South -- are crafted in the cool climate of Tasmania, the remote island that is the southernmost wine growing region in all of Australia. Hood specializes in Burgundian-style Pinot Noir, Riesling and sparkling wine. He joins Robert this week to discuss the rigrs and rewards of making wine in cool Tasmania.
Winemaker Interview: Terry Adams, Sonoma Cutrer Aug 7, 2008
Sonoma Cutrer Winemaker Terry Adams joins Robert to discuss the sometimes forgotten notion that superb, exquisitely structured, world class Chardonnay is produced in California. Naturally, the conversation focuses on the exceptional terroir of the Russian River Valley vineyards of Sonoma Cutrer.
Italian Wine Expert Brian Larky on Prosecco Aug 4, 2008
Brian Larky was once the winemaker for the Franciacorta estate of Ca' del Bosco, producer of perhaps Italy's most important sparkling wine. He has since moved into the import business with his own company, Dalla Terra Winery Direct, and specializes in Italian wine. He joins Robert in this half-hour segment to discuss the sudden popularity of Prosecco, the Italian bubbly from the Veneto.
Winemaker Interview: Janet Myers, Mount Veeder Part I Jul 28, 2008
Winemaker Janet Myers wears multiple hats these days, making the wines at two superb Napa Valley wineries -- Franciscan Estates and Mount Veeder Winery. She and vineyard manager Matt Ashby join Robert to chat about the beauty and power of mountain-grown Cabernet at Mount Veeder. Part I is approximately 22 minutes. Click here to listen to Part II.
Winemaker Interview: Jennifer Higgins, Lancaster Estate Jul 21, 2008
Jennifer Higgins took the long and winding road to become winemaker at the up-and-coming Lancaster Estate winery in Sonoma's Alexander Valley. She was studying for a career in medicine when the wine bug bit. Jennifer makes a sensuous Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at Lancaster Estate, where she has been the chief winemaker for the past four vintages. Jennifer joins Robert for the entire half hour of Whitley On Wine.
Winemaker Interview: Jac Cole, Spring Mountain Jul 13, 2008
The challenges of making wine from the steep hillside vineyards of Spring Mountain, overlooking St. Helena and the Napa Valley, are not without their rewards. Jac Cole of the historic Spring Mountain Vineyards estate chats with Robert about the remarkable diversity he encounters over the estate's massive 500-plus acres. It all comes together in wines, primarily Cabernet-based reds, that are bold and suave at the same time.
Winemaker Interview: James Hall, Patz & Hall Jul 11, 2008
One could argue that Patz & Hall's single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays are some of the finest wines of their type made in the United States, and Robert often does. He goes behind the "vineyard designate" philosophy of Patz & Hall in an interview with winemaker James Hall, including Hall's stylistic course correction with the Patz & Hall Chardonnays to tone down the winemaker manipulation and bring out the minerality and unique fruit characteristics of each vineyard. Hall joins Robert for a discussion of the Patz & Hall philosophy.
One of the best-kept secrets of California wine is the stunning quality flowing these days from Monterey's Ventana Vineyards. The buzz is getting louder with each passing month, however, as Ventana wines rack up major awards at important wine competitions. The Riesling and Syrah, in particular, have won accolades at the San Francisco Chronicle, Monterey, San Diego and Critics Challenge competitions -- just to name a few. Winemaker Reggie Hammond joins Robert for this half-hour of Whitley On Wine to tell us all about what's up with Ventana!
As the Sonoma Valley winery Gundlach Bundschu celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, family member Jeff Bundschu takes a time out to chat about the earliest years of the winery and what it must have been like, based upon family lore, to make and sell wine in the era of the California gold rush. Whitley On Wine is a production of SignOnRadio.com. This segment approximately 31 minutes.
Winemaker Interview: Mike Sullivan, Benovia Jun 30, 2008
On a recent visit to the Russian River Valley to taste Pinot Noir from the 2006 vintage, Robert was impressed with the aroma and structure of a Pinot from a small new winery: Benovia. Turns out the Benovia winemaker is none other than the accomplished RRV veteran, Mike Sullivan, whose credits include a stop at highly acclaimed Hartford Court. Mike joins Robert for a chat about this promising new venture. Whitley On Wine is a production of SignOnRadio.com.
Wine Review Online columnists Michael Apstein and Gerald Boyd join Robert to reflect on the life and times of Robert Mondavi, the iconic California vintner who died recently at the age of 94.
Torres 2007 Sangre de Toro 'Vina Sol' Aug 23, 2008
The Wine Guru is still looking for great quaffing whites for summer, particularly as we head into the long Labor Day weekend. Torres, the impeccable family winery from Spain's Penedes region near Barcelona, delivers a mouth-watering example of the genre with its $10 Sange de Toro "Vina Sol." And that's not bull!
The good folks at Planeta are among the most innovative and important wine producers in Italy. They're best known for voluptuous Sicilian Chardonnay, but the Wine Guru has flipped over their first-ever vintage of Rose. You will, too!
Merryvale 2007 'Starmont' Sauvignon Blanc Aug 13, 2008
Merryvale's Starmont wines not only offer good quality, but the prices are modest compared to other Merryvale wines. The Wine Guru believes the Starmont Sauvignon Blanc is one of the Napa Valley's best Sauvignons for the money.
Clos du Val's record for quality and consistency over the past quarter-century is unrivaled in the Napa Valley. So says the Wine Guru, who found the 2005 Clos du Val Cabernet merely another in a long line of exceptional vintages from this iconic California winery -- and at a stunningly modest price for a seriously delicious Napa Valley Cab.
The Wine Guru has noticed a significant change in Champagne Mumm over the past several years. The once popular Mumm Cordon Rouge non-vintage brut has experienced a rebound in quality that, if price is any barometer, has escaped the attention of Champagne enthusiasts. Yet judges at the 2008 Critics Challenge took notice and awarded the Mumm Cordon Rouge a Platinum award. This is a toasty full-bodied non-vintage brut that's one of those rare commodities -- a bargain (relatively speaking) Champagne!
If you've hung around as long as the Wine Guru you know the Napa Valley winery Chappellet is synonymous with consistency across its entire range of wines. The 2006 Chardonnay is yet another in a long line of exceptional vintages. It's beautifully structured -- rich and oily upfront, finishing crisply with clean, bright acidity. Yummy stuff.
Mendocino County's Bonterra Vineyards is one of the pioneers of organic wines in California. These wines are invariably well made, modestly priced and delicious additions to any wine cellar. The Wine Guru is especially fond of the Syrah from Bonterra, and he absolutely loves the price!
The Wine Guru doesn't mind paying a few bucks more for a great wine, but he wants a big bang for those bucks. Franciscan's red Meritage blend, Magnificat, delivers. It's not cheap at $50, but it can play with the big boys of the Napa Valley at twice the price.
Craggy Range Sauvignons aren't your typically tangy New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, which you will find in Marlborough. The Te Muna Road Vineyard, source for this Craggy Range Sauvignon, is located in Martinborough and delivers a crisp white that's considerably more floral on the nose and a bit more oily on the palate, which the Wine Guru found to his liking.
The Wine Guru was looking for a juicy, delicious red to serve with a leg of lamb butterflied and barbecued on the grill. This inexpensive award-winning Merlot from Beringer proved to be a great match at a great price. Click to listen to this one-minute audio review!
The Wine Guru enjoys Chardonnay with a bit of richness and plenty of mouth-watering acidity when he's barbecuing salmon or swordfish on the grill. He's found a couple of gems: the value-priced 2006 Bonterra Chardonnay and an affordable beauty from the Russian River Valley, the 2005 Willowbrook Chardonnay. Both wines were Gold Medal winners at the 2008 San Diego International Wine Competition.
Raymond 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Jul 17, 2008
When is a $35 Cabernet Sauvignon considered a value wine? When it's a delicious vintage from one of the Napa Valley's most reliable and consistent producers. The Wine Guru finds Raymond's Reserve delivers on the promise of Napa Valley excellence without the hefty price usually associated with Napa Valley Cab.
Kim Crawford 2007 Marlborough Dry Riesling Jul 15, 2008
Kiwi Kim Crawford has found his niche with clean, crisp, refreshing white wines. Though best known, perhaps, for his Sauvignon Blanc and unoaked Chardonnay, the latest vintage of his Marlborough Dry Riesling rivals many of the best expressions of this style from neighboring Australia.
The Wine Guru was impressed by the delicacy and finesse exhibited by this lovely blanc de blancs Champagne as it swept the Best of Show Sparkling Wine category at the 2008 San Diego International Wine Competition. UPDATE: Since winning the big prize at the SDIWC, and after this recording was made, Henriot issued a price correction and informs us the Blanc Souverain will now come in at $50 or so retail in most U.S. cities.
Marc Kreydenweiss 2006 Andlau Riesling Jul 13, 2008
One of the purest and most complex dry Rieslings the Wine Guru has found from Alsace comes from the perfectionest Marc Kreydenweiss, whose wines are uniformly impeccable. Kreydenweiss is a devotee of biodynamic farming and produces wines of unique personality and character. The Andlau Riesling is a rich, powerful Riesling that you wouldn't hesitate to pair with meat dishes or other strongly flavored foods.
Sometimes you've just got to have a great high-end Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to celebrate -- or impress. But you don't want to throw your money away. This vintage of Far Niente Cabernet lives up to its price. The Wine Guru believes it's probably the most evocative and well-balanced Napa Cab he's tasted this year. A truly memorable wine!
Sonoma's venerable Sebastiani Vineyards has been around for decades making good everyday California wines that can be enjoyed when they are young and fresh. The Wine Guru doesn't often think of Sebastiani when he's on the prowl for something extraordinary in red wine. The stylish and complex Sebastiani Secolo may have changed his mind!
While the Cabernet and Chardonnay usually hog the headlines at Grgich Hills, this Napa Valley icon's ever classy Fume Blanc is steady as she goes. The Wine Guru prizes this wine for its restraint and complexity, particularly its flinty minerality in a world of pungent, grapefruity Sauvignons, which are no less good but somewhat ubiquitous.
Sonoma Cutrer 2006 Russian River Ranches Chardonnay Jul 7, 2008
Almost overlooked when the discussion turns to California's better Chardonnays is the superb Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Ranches, which is a restaurant staple and thus usually consumed well before it reaches maturity. The Wine Guru finds this wine to be one of the most firmly structured, complex and age-worthy Chardonnays on the U.S. market today. And it's a certifiable steal at the price.
The Wine Guru has long been fond of the wines from Eberle, where former Penn State football great Gary Eberle holds forth. Eberle is the Godfather of the Paso Robles wine region and deserves most of the credit for having the vision a quarter-century ago to believe in the Paso terroir. So it brought a smile to the Wine Guru's lips when he learned the well-balanced Vineyard Selection Cab from Eberle had snagged a Platinum Award at the prestigous Critics Challenge. And this wine is a steal at the price!
This is a Tuscan wine from the Maremma district, between Montalcino and the Mediterranean coast. In this region, around Scansano, the Sangiovese grape is called Morellino. These are delicious reds that are priced well given the quality, but only because they don't yet have the visibility or cachet of the wines of the Montalcino and Chianti districts. This is one of the Wine Guru's favorites.
Pinot-phobes may have noticed that the cost of good Pinot Noir has been on the rise in recent years, with prices in the $50-plus range not at all uncommon. But the Wine Guru has good news for Pinot lovers everywhere, with four affordable gold medal-winners from the 2008 San Diego International Wine Competition. These crowd-pleasing Pinots retail for between $20 and $38.
Some of Italy's most age-worthy and collectible red wines are those made from the glorious Aglianico grape, grown primarily in the southern climes of Campania and Basilicata. The Wine Guru says one of the best is Mastroberardino's single-vineyard Taurasi 'Radici.'
Ferrari-Carano 2006 Fiorella Chardonnay Jun 30, 2008
The Wine Guru hasn't always been a fan of Ferrari-Carano Chardonnay. But Ferrari-Carano's once over-the-top style has evolved, so the Wine Guru is coming around.
Bonny Doon's Randall Grahm has a cool hand with one of the hottest white graoe varieties in the world, the crisp and refreshing Albarino from Spain's Rias Baixas region. But Grahm grows it in California at his Ca' del Solo property.
American Wine: Beyond the Golden State Aug 20, 2008
Napa and Sonoma are two famous-named wine regions -- but there are many wine regions across the US that may surprise you. States like Michigan and Arizona, not traditionally associated with wine, are now home to budding vineyards. We'll take a virtual road trip and hear about the wineries worth a late-summer trek.
It's a white wine that sends critics swooning -- yet it's relatively underappreciated by most American consumers. It's Riesling, one of the most versatile, refreshing wines out there. Michael Franz and Paul Lukacs explore why Riesling has yet to take off in the USA, and why the wine industry seems to have such a hard time predicting which bottles will fly off the shelves and which will gather dust.
What factors are involved in wine pricing? Why do some wines cost so much more than others? Are wines priced competitively, like other comodities, or are they priced at the whim of producers, like some luxury goods?
Kojo grills Michael and Paul on what wines they recommend for the 4th, or any warm summer weekend, and the sparks fly! Paul says Beaujolais with a slight chill, above all else. And Michael can't resist the comeback that most commercial Beaujolais is "insipid." To Paul he has two words: Pinot Noir! Ah, but our guys agree on the lighter reds of northern Italy -- Dolcetto and Barbera -- and Chianti with a slight chill. Light body, light oak and modest tannin. Michael and Paul also offer tips on how to care for a bottle of wine in warmer weather, and Michael notes that serving at room temperature -- when the room is 85 degrees warm -- probably isn't a very good idea. It's fun, it's informative and it's a click away!
On the surface, it doesn't look like a great time to indulge in European or Australian wines -- the dollar's weak and shipping costs are through the roof. But those regions may still be your best bet for high-quality, moderately-priced bottles. WRO Editor Michael Franz and Saveur Wine Editor Paul Lukacs, a WRO columnist, join Kojo Nnamdi of Washington, D.C.'s PBS station, WAMU, to discuss your best options for sipping wine this summer.
Winemaker Interview: Rob Davis, Jordan
Winemaker Interview: Harry Peterson Nedry, Chahalem Winery
Michael Apstein on Burgundy's '05 Vintage
Winemaker Interview: Janet Myers, Mount Veeder Part II
Winemaker Interview: Andrew Hood, Frogmore Creek
Winemaker Interview: Terry Adams, Sonoma Cutrer
Italian Wine Expert Brian Larky on Prosecco
Winemaker Interview: Janet Myers, Mount Veeder Part I
Winemaker Interview: Jennifer Higgins, Lancaster Estate
Winemaker Interview: Jac Cole, Spring Mountain
Winemaker Interview: James Hall, Patz & Hall
Winemaker Interview: Reggie Hammond, Ventana
150 Years of Gundlach Bundschu
Winemaker Interview: Mike Sullivan, Benovia
Remembering Robert Mondavi
Torres 2007 Sangre de Toro 'Vina Sol'
Planeta 2007 Rose
Merryvale 2007 'Starmont' Sauvignon Blanc
Clos du Val 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
Champagne Mumm Cordon Rouge
Chappellet 2006 Chardonay
Bonterra 2004 Syrah
Franciscan 2004 Magnificat
Craggy Range 2007 Sauvignon Blanc
Beringer 2005 Founders Estate Merlot
Wine with Fish on the Grill
Raymond 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
Kim Crawford 2007 Marlborough Dry Riesling
Champagne Henriot Blanc Souverain Brut
Marc Kreydenweiss 2006 Andlau Riesling
Far Niente 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
Sebastiani 2005 Secolo
Grgich Hills 2006 Fume Blanc
Sonoma Cutrer 2006 Russian River Ranches Chardonnay
Eberle 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vineyard Selection
Val delle Rose 2004 Morellino Riserva
Four Well Priced California Pinots
Mastroberardino 2003 Taurasi 'Radici'
Ferrari-Carano 2006 Fiorella Chardonnay
Champagne Delamotte 1999 Brut
Judd's Hill 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Ca' del Solo 2007 Albarino
Veramonte 2005 Primus
Hess 2005 Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon
American Wine: Beyond the Golden State
A Riesling Roundtable
Ins and Outs of Wine Pricing
Grilling for Warm Weather Wines
Best Values for Summer Sipping
