The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
72 results across all types
- news
Smith-Madrone
Here is the outstanding new Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) by Smith-Madrone. One of the unique wineries in Napa, Smith-Madrone produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Riesling wines. The source from their dry-farmed estate vineyards surrounding the winery on top of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley. Stuart Smith chose specific slopes with different exposures for specific varietals when planting the vineyards: eastern exposure for Riesling, southern and western exposures across flat stretches for the Cabernet Sauvignon and the coolest north-facing slopes for the Chardonnay. The soil is mostly deep-red Aiken Stoney Clay loam, and is primarily volcanic-based, well-drained and deep for mountain soils. The estate is a 200 acre ranch, partly planted as vineyard over a century ago. California black bears and other wildlife once thrived here as did 120-year-old Picholine olive trees which frame a path and view down to the floor of the Napa Valley. Check out the outstanding
- news
Gorman
Chris Gorman crafts some incredible wines for his namesake winery. One of the outstanding wineries of Washington, Gorman is founded by Chris Gorman who began his winery shortly after graduating from college in 1991. He has a world-palate as a former Italian importer and has travelled extensively in the wine areas of Italy, Spain and Germany. He finally started his winery in 2002. The winery has been a small operation, crafting consistently good wines from the Columbia Valley. Chris focuses on the terroir from Red Mountain and works with great vineyards such as Kiona, Shaw and many others. They make world-class Chardonnay called their ‘Big Sissy’ and also under his Ashan label. This label has Chardonnays that showcase some of the state’s top vineyards. He makes world-class Chardonnay under the Ashan label. The best Chardonnay yet from him, the 2025 Gorman ‘Big Sissy’ Chardonnay (OB, 95) is heavily-weighted and is a massive uppercut of tropical fruits and melon in the glass. It is not fo
- news
Januik, Novelty Hill and Andrew Januik
Mike (L) and Andrew Januik are crafting some incredible wines for Januik, Novelty Hill and Andrew Januik wines. A gorgeous winery in Woodinville, Januik and Novelty Hill is a must-visit or any lover of Washington wine. Winemaker Andrew Januik trained under his father, Washington wine icon Mike Januik, who was formerly head winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle and Col Solare before starting his own winery. Mike is a master of crafting great wines from literally any varietal. For years I have admired his Chardonnay wines that show insanely good aging potential — even from hot sites like the Cold Creek Vineyard. These guys are also crafting some of the greatest values wines in the state. My family loves visiting this gorgeous facility in Woodinville. The food quality at Januik just keeps on getting better. I had such a nice visit with Andrew and Mike, as we talked Washington wine and the state of the industry. They have been doing really well despite the economic downturn in wine. I love th
- news
Brooks
Claire Jarreau has crafted a beautiful range of wines for Brooks. Today we share one of the great producers of Riesling on the West Coast. Jimi Brooks, a Portland native who came to wine through his passion for history and philosophy. Jimi previously worked in Beaujolais, and eventually returned to Oregon to focus on crafting great Riesling and Pinot Noir. Brooks farms twenty acres in the Eola-Amity Hills, a sub-region of the Willamette Valley characterized by higher altitudes and the ocean winds that blow through the Van Duzer Corridor. Claire Jarreau serves as head winemaker. She has done an amazing job with the latest round of releases. Do not miss out on the 2019 Brooks ‘Extended Tirage’ Riesling Sparkling Wine (OB, 95) which is a world-class wine with sensational flavor range. I adore the 2024 Brooks ‘Ara’ Riesling (OB, 94), which is very nervy and dense. Learn about this fantastic new lineup at https://www.brookswine.com/ Here are the outstanding new wines by Brooks. 2019 B
- news
Upchurch Vineyard
It was an amazing afternoon tasting with Chis Upchurch and sampling his outstanding new lineup. It is my pleasure to share the incredible wines of Chris Upchurch and Upchurch Vineyard. This is one of the greats on Red Mountain and really one of the most gorgeous spots to taste in all of the Pacific Northwest. Chris Upchurch is a legendary winemaker, having crafted an incredible range of wines for DeLille Cellars before starting his first outpost more than a decade ago. He now has an outpost in Woodinvlle that is right in the town center, near the new Somm Hotel. I tasted there with him for several hours and we chatted wine and soccer. He is one of the icons of Washington wine. I adore the new 2025 Upchurch Vineyard Rose (OB, 93) which is one of the best Rose wines from Washington that I have tasted this year. Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://upchurchvineyard.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Upchurch Vineyard. 2025 Upchurch Vineyard Rose- The incredible 2025 Upch
- news
Founding of Academie Wines
Great logo for Academie Wines. Founding of Academie Wines We have some big news out of the Willamette Valley today with the founding of Academie Wines. This is a really enticing project founded by legends Thomas Savre of Lingua Franca fame, as well Dominique Lafon and Bertrand de Villaine. The idea is not to make Oregon wines just like Burgundy wines. They will have two levels of wines -- one that is more for the collector (Academie) and the other for everyday consumption (Ostia Tempore). Their top wine will be named La Grande Comète which is in homage to the comet, Tsuchinshan‑ATLAS, that graced the Willamette Valley skies in October 2024. Having followed Savre's career for more than a decade, I am thrilled to check out these wines and see what is produced by this new electric project. Learn more at academiewine.us Cheers, Owen
- news
Pinstripe
Great photo of Pinstripe founders Jeri (L) and Amy Andrews. Sitting with Amy Andrews, we talked about her brand and emotional story about her inspiring uncle. It was only fitting that I shared mine of my uncle, eye surgeon Dr. Brian Lueth, who is suffering from Parkinson’s. We both shared this incredible connection about our uncles who have suffered tragedy — yet we look back at their lives with peace and an adoration of their accomplishments. Pinstripe Wines is a story about persevering through tragedy. The story honors co-founder Amy Andrews’s uncle, an artist, who was diagnosed with AIDS in the beginning of the crisis and he used blood lines to make his art. His partner was a doctor and he had to give blood regularly. He would come home and over his art he put his bloodlines across each piece of his art. He did that to show how his life was affected by diseases and facing death — going through a hard time. It was obvious that this became a pinstriped type of art. This beautifu
- news
Domaine Roy & Fils
Great new 2024 wines by Domaine Roy & Fils. An exciting Willamette Valley house, Domaine Roy & Fils was founded in 2012 by Marc-Andre Roy and Jared Etzel, sons of the pioneering winegrowers who established the renowned Beaux Frères. The estate spans 42 acres across two acclaimed sites in the Dundee Hills and Yamhill-Carlton appellations. Thirty-two acres are planted to Pinot Noir and ten to Chardonnay, with each block cultivated and harvested with an exacting approach. In 2023 Domaine Roy & Fils was purchased by the Frescobaldi family—whose winemaking legacy dates back over seven centuries. I love the new wines which were remarkably consistent. Check out the very salty and stony 2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Quartz Acorn’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is neatly texture and has a wonderful sense of tension. Learn more at https://domaineroy.com/ and here are my reviews of the new Domaine Roy & Fils wines. 2024 Domaine Roy & Fils ‘Incline’ Chardonnay- The 2024 ‘Incline’ comes from a range of locat
- news
Goldeneye Pinot Noir Vertical Tasting
Here is the gorgeous range from 2019-2023 of Goldeneye Pinot Noir. I have loved the Pinot Noirs by Goldeneye for years. A Duckhorn venture located in Philo, California, Goldeneye is. led by winemaker Kristin McMcMahan. Originally from California's Central Valley, in 2012, Kristen moved to Sonoma County to dedicate herself to wine full time. In addition to joining the winemaking team at Korbel, where she spent six years honing her skills working with sparkling wine and Pinot Noir, she began studying at Santa Rosa Junior College, where she earned an Associate of Science degree in enology. Kristen also gained invaluable experience with cool-climate Pinot Noir working for Joseph Phelps’s Freestone Winery on the Sonoma Coast. I had a chance to taste vintages 2019-2023. The vintages are very different but I was most surprised with the 20202 ‘Anderson Valley’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which was a wine that came off very clean and rich. No reason to cellar this beauty. The 2019 ‘Anderson Valley’ (OB
- news
Gran Moraine
Here is the gorgeous vineyard location for Gran Moraine. Today we share the wines from an outstanding Oregon house. Gran Moraine is named after the cataclysmic floods that descended on the northern Willamette Valley of Oregon during the last ice age. As the flood waters receded, they impacted the region, leaving small indentations or mini valleys (moraines), similar to those in the the Côte ’Or in Burgundy. Located in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA, Gran Moraine has 220 acres planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Shane Moore is an Idaho native who has been at the helm for years. In 2011 Shane began working for Jackson Family Wines winemaking team as an enologist, crafting cool climate California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Shane helped build the Gran Moraine winemaking team and was named winemaker in 2016. A killer value is the 2023 ‘Yamhill-Carlton’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has loads of texture and flavor range. Learn more about this fantastic winery at https://www.granmoraine.com Here
- news
Kopke
Here are the gorgeous hillsides of Kopke. Today we share the new 2024 release from the oldest Port house on the planet. Kopke has declared that they have made a vintage port from 2024. The year was a warm vintage in the Douro with cool nights, with a milder September allowed for a steady ripening period. Master Blender Carlos Alves has created a world-class vintage port here. It is hard to resist this wine now but it really does need another five to ten years in the cellar to fully evolve. Learn more at https://kopke1638.com/store/category/port-wines/ and here is my review of the 2024 vintage Port by Kopke. 2024 Kopke Port- Jet black in the glass, this 2024 vintage Port delivers heady black plum and Hoisin sauce on the nose alongside molten chocolate. Silky and refined with a terrific texture and bright acidity, enjoy this beauty after about five plus more years of bottle age. Drink 2033-2055- 96
- news
Continuum
The Mondavis have been innovators in the Napa Valley for more than 100 years. A great winery in Napa, Continuum is the Mondavi family vision to produce world-class Cabernet as they have for decades. The Mondavis have a storied past in Napa. Cesare Mondavi brought the family to America, to wine, and to the Napa Valley. His son Robert, a visionary, possessed a passion for excellence and tireless ambition which transformed not only his family but the entire world of wine. Tim Mondavi, a virtuoso, from a young age came into the family business and blazed trails globally, developing wines of world-class quality. Now, he and his sister Marcia Mondavi Borger, along with their adult children, have created Continuum, They now produce a new wine, their ‘Sentium’ is a Sauvignon Blanc that is inspired by the Mondavi Fume Blanc. Winegrower, Chiara Mondavi, is leading this fourth-generation wine project. The wines were really good. I love the 2024 ‘Sentium’ (OB, 94) which is dense and heady with ser
- news
Echolands
Here are the outstanding new wines by Echolands. Today we share the wines founded by Doug Frost MW. Frost is remarkably one of three individuals in the world to hold simultaneously the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles, achieving his MS in 1991 and MW in 1993. He also authored ‘The Spanish Wine Guide (third edition 2009’) and is a contributing editor of the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails. I loved the wines made by Brian Rudin when he was at Canvasback. He has wines that captivate the senses with a beginning, middle and an end with a great focus on texture. These were wines that beautifully personified Red Mountain. The wines are getting better and better. This is a fun, playful, yet very serious lineup. The wines are made with a ton of intention and background. I love the 2025 Echolands Rose of Grenache (OB, 92) which is very pretty and nuanced, with outstanding flavor range. Learn more about this fantastic new project at echolandswinery.com Here are my reviews
- news
Duckhorn 'Three Palms Vineyard' Vertical Tasting
It was a magical tasting of ‘Three Palms Vineyard’ Merlot and Cabernet by Duckhorn. Today we share the famed wines from the Three Palms Vineyard by Duckhorn. One of Napa’s historic vineyards, the Three Palms Vineyard is a 73-acre estate in Calistoga. Named for the three palm trees planted in the 1890s, the site was planted in 1967 by Sloan Upton and his brother. The location is set on rocky, volcanic stone soils and the inaugural release from this site was Duckhorn’s Merlot from the 1978 vintage. At the time no other wineries were making single vineyard Merlots but Dan and Margaret Duckhorn saw this vision to create single site wines from a single vintage in Napa. Today Duckhorn has Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon primarily planted at this location. I have loved these wines over the years. They are typically dense and opulent but have good poise and rocky/loamy soil character. Three Palms Merlot is typically aged in 50% or more new French oak. The oak character in the wine gently caresse
- news
Review: The Lindy Renaissance Charleston -- Disappointment After Disappointment
Here is the hallway near check-in at The Lindy Renaissance Charleston I don’t always expect a four star hotel delivering four star quality. But my stay at The Lindy Charleston was closer to a two star than a four star for a hotel that unfortunately advertises as a four star hotel. Service was not good. We had one day where they failed to clean our room even when we called down and asked several times. You leave this place feeling like you were ripped off, considering its price tag. Somehow this place is getting 4.3 stars on TripAdvisor.com The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel is a supposedly upscale, 166-room hotel located at 68 Wentworth Street in the heart of Charleston, SC. It was chosen by me because of its saltwater outdoor pool, as well as on-site dining at Lenoir Restaurant. It is steps away from King Street. I chose the hotel for one main reason — so my 3 year old would have a pool to play in. Other four star hotels in the are do not have pools. I had a special surprise waiti
- news
Trisaetum
Here are the beautiful new wines by Trisaetum. Today we share one of the outstanding producers of the Willamette Valley. Trisaetum utilizes the talents of fellow Arsenal supporter James Frey. Wines are well-balanced and speak to the AVAs. I love the wines by Frey. He has a tremendous range of wines that he produces and they are all of exceedingly good quality. The new Trisaetum lineup was amazing. I love the 2024 Trisaetum ‘Estates Reserve’ Pinot noir (OB, 95) which is another gorgeous rendition of this wine from a warm vintage. Learn more about this fantastic Willamette Valley winery at http://www.trisaetum.com Here are the fantastic new wines by Trisaetum. 2024 Trisaetum ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir - A great edition of this wine, the 2024 Trisaetum ‘Willamette Valley’ Pinot Noir comes off forward and juicy on the palate. Soft on the mouth, with lively acidity, this offers guava and red raspberry notes alongside shades of dried herbs on the palate. Gorgeous now, enjoy o
- news
Fidelitas
Here are the outstanding new wines by Fidelitas. Today we share the great wines of Fidelitas and founder Charlie Hoppes. Former winemaker at both Col Solare and Chateau Ste. Michelle, Hoppes has been crafting his own wines on Red Mountain for nearly two decades. I love how he has attention to detail on white wines from Red Mountain. Do not miss out on the sensational 2023 ‘Red Mountain’ Semillon (OB, 93) which has to be one of the best wines of its kind that you will taste in Washington. Learn more about the great Fidelitas lineup at http://www.fidelitaswines.com/ Here are the great new wine releases from Fidelitas. 2023 Fidelitas ‘Red Mountain’ Semillon- The 2023 Fidelitas ‘Red Mountain’ Semillon shows off a great core of macadamia nut, lychee and green melon on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with excellent volume and underlying verve, enjoy now and over the next eight years. This will build nutty and earthy nuances as it ages gracefully. Drink 2026-2034 - 93 2023 Fidelitas ‘Red M
- news
DeLille Cellars
Here is the gorgeous new 2025 DeLille Rose (OB, 93). Today we share the beautiful wines of DeLille Cellars. I have known their director of winemaking, Jason Gorski, for more than a decade. His team makes one of the best overall lineups in Washington. DeLille sources from their estate, 20-acre vineyard in Red Mountain as well as premier vineyards in the Yakima Valley. I love visiting their Woodivinlle winery that even has views of Mt. Ranier. It has an awesome restaurant that is adjacent their tasting room with great bites to pair with their beautiful wines. They recently opened a tasting room in University Village that is a gorgeous spot to enjoy their lineup. Gorski and his team did a great job navigating 2022. They have been making what is consistently one of the finest Rose wines in the state. I adore the 2025 DeLille Cellars Rose (OB, 93) which has amazing flavor range and comes off dense and generous. Learn more about this fantastic winery at www.delillecellars.com Here are the gr
- news
Corliss
Great photo of the Corliss family. One of the great Washington wineries, Corliss is an ultra-premium producer of red wines founded in 1999 by Michael and Lori Corliss. Over the years Mike Corliss has bought vineyard land throughout the state, including more holdings on Red Mountain. Corliss has been met with some serious critical acclaim since their first release in 2008. It has been such a pleasure seeing how well these beautiful wines age. Corliss is also well-known for performing exceptionally well with tough vintages. I have had some of their older wines from my cellar and they have some massive cellaring potential. Corliss did a great job in 2019 which was not the easiest year for Bordeaux varietals. They made some beautiful 2020 wines from this tough vintage. The wines have less oak impact over time. I adore the 2021 Corliss Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which has incredible flavor density and is a stunning edition of this wine that is a must-buy for any collector of top Washington
- news
Malibu Wine Company
Here are the amazing wines by Dr. Steve Ruths and Malibu Wine Company. Today we share the story of Malibu Wine Company. Psychiatrist Dr. Steve Ruths studied viticulture and enology, completing the UC Davis winemaking certificate program in 2008. 2009 was his first crush as a home winemaker starting with a half-ton of Syrah from the Estelle Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. Since then, he has made wine with Alta Colina Grenache and Roll Ranch Syrah. In 2016, Dr. Ruths purchased a 6-acre property in the Malibu Coast AVA. In 2017, preparing the land for planting began and in 2018 the first vines were planted. Additional plantings continued yearly through 2024 with approximately 6500 vines over 3 acres. Varietals include 3 clones of Syrah, 2 clones of Grenache, Durif/Petite Sirah, Touriga Nacional, Viognier, and Roussanne. Vines are spaced either at 4x6 or 3x5 feet. The vineyard was planted and is farmed by Martin Ramirez of the Ojai Vineyards. 2023 was their first commercial vintag
- news
Cuvaison
Here is the brilliant new lineup by Cuvaison. I have long admired the wines of Cuvaison. These were some of the wines that I bought for my personal collection more than twenty years ago. Steve Rogstad has been at the helm for more than two decades and has helped shape not only these wines but wines from this windswept region. Founded back in 1969, ten years later Cuvaison acquired 400 acres of highly prized land north of San Pablo Bay in the Los Carneros district of Napa Valley which is a site that is highly influenced by fog and cooler temperatures from the bay. The new Cuvaison are outstanding. Check out the 2024 Cuvaison ‘Kite Tail’ Chardonnay (OB, 94) which is a treat to savor now. Learn more about this outstanding producer at https://www.cuvaison.com and here are the killer sparkling wine, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir releases by Cuvaison. 2025 Cuvaison Rose- Made from Grenache grapes, this 2025 Rose offers a soft mouthfeel on the approach. Laden with tension, texture and bright red
- news
Baer
Erica Orr is the talented winemaker behind Baer wines. It is my pleasure to share one of the jewels of Woodinville. Winemaker Erica Orr took over this program more than a decade ago and began in 1998, working her first harvest with eminent winemaker Cathy Corison in the Napa Valley. She immediately caught the wine bug and enrolled in the enology master’s degree program at UC Davis where she completed her master’s degree in 2003. Erica also has a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from UC Berkeley and three years of research experience as a biochemistry lab technician for 2009 Nobel Laureate Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn at UC San Francisco. She is a great person to chat wine with. The wines are really outstanding across the board. I love the 2024 Baer Rose (OB, 92) which is a stunning, beautifully-textured wine. I love the 2022 Baer ‘Ursa’ Red Wine (OB, 93) which is smooth and silky stuff from this slightly cooler vintage. Learn more about this great Woodinville winery at at baerwinery.c
- news
Rasa Vineyards
Today we share the beautiful wines of Rasa Vineyards, founded by Billo and Pinto Naravane. It is my pleasure to share the wines of Rasa Vineyards. For many years now Master of Wine, Billo Naravane, has been crafting beautiful expressions of Washington State wine. He has one of the finest lineups in the state — from crisp Rieslings to inky Syrahs. Billo also has a remarkable story in wine. If you have never tried these wines then you are in for a serious treat. A scientist by trade, Billo Naravane initially was inspired by wine while living Austin, Texas. During that time Naravane was exposed to some of the finest wines in the world and he fully caught the wine bug. Over time he and his brother, Pinto, made the bold decision to start Rasa Vineyards in 2007. These are wines that are seriously crafted with a beginning, middle and an end. The wines he crafts show tremendous texture, richness, poise and terroir — and are only getting better by each vintage. We chatted about wine
- news
Dusted Valley
Here is the outstanding new lineup by Dusted Valley. Today we share the great wines of Dusted Valley, founded by the Johnson and Braunel families founded Dusted Valley. They are both originally from Wisconsin and are big time Packers fans. Dusted Valley sources from some of the great vineyards in Washington, including the Olsen Vineyard and Stoney Vine Vineyard. The wines from their estate Southwind Vineyard continue to improve. I really enjoy the sparkling wine they make and they have expanded tasting rooms to Edmonds, if you live on the north side of Seattle. I adored the 2023 Dusted Valley ‘Columbia Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which is elegant and seamless through the drinking experience. Learn more about these beautiful new wines at https://www.dustedvalley.com Here are my reviews of the great new wines by Dusted Valley. 2023 Dusted Valley ‘Tall Tales’ Syrah- The 2023 ‘Tall Tales’ comes from the famed Stoney Vine Vineyard in the Rocks District. It is salty, savory and