It is not easy to improve on the friendly feelings generated by a visit to the original Sebastiani Winery tasting room. Of course, it was a bit small, and things could get a bit too cozy now and then, so no one complained too loudly when plans were unveiled for a complete re-do of the hospitality area. Now the work is completed and everyone is pleased and excited by the results.
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There is a winemaker in the Russian River valley who is marking her ninth Pinot Noir vintage this year, and she seems to have charmed this recalcitrant grape into allowing her to produce wines that sell out as soon as the waiting world hears another is on the way. Eugenia Keegan, owner and winemaker of Keegan Cellars is the person whose name is on the label of these Pinot Noirs, and that’s all that many people need to know before heading to their favorite wine shop.
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With all the national and international conglomerates gobbling up small, independent wineries like so many breakfast sausages, it’s pleasant to stand at the tasting bar, sipping super-wonderful Zinfandels – the wine they are most famous for – with the Demostene clan. Though not anywhere near as well known as those other family wineries, Gallo and Mondavi, the Demostenes can trace their vine roots back farther than either of those big boys.
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Sebastiani
1997 “Sonoma Cask”
Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon

The price-value ratio is just too much to overlook. It screams, “Buy me, and try me”.

“Come on now, your telling me this is a $15 Cab from Sonoma?” That’s what you will be saying after you taste it. Then I expect to hear, “Thanks Greg, we appreciate the tip”. Just show me a little love for my efforts people.
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Spring has arrived, the sun begins to warm the terraces, it is soon time to enjoy some pretty roses.

It starts with the bio Champagne Cuvee Rose Bruno Michel , a nice bubble (gross) as an aperitif, which allows the palace to set up for later. Fine bubbles and elegant, slightly coppery pink color, nose of red fruits and raspberries. It is very fine, accurate and supported in the final, we feel the vinous and juice quality. A beautiful Champagne bio that has real personality.
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We continue our journey through the Mexican wineries and this time it’s the turn of Cavas Freixenet located in the municipality of Ezequiel Montes, Queretaro.
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2001 Willamette Valley
Pinot Gris

Nobody I’ve talked to, or reviews I’ve read, have had a flawed word to say about this wine. It’s kinda weird when a wine is this popular…

Make friends with this Elk, and you’ll be a better person for it in the long run. Hell, you may even fall in love with it. I’m talking about the Pinot Gris in the bottle my friend; get your mind back in focus, you sicko.
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The first two vintages of Bettinelli wines were produced in St. Helena at Rombauer Vineyards. In 1995, Bettinelli Vineyards moved its production to Oakville Wine Cellars, a custom crush operation located closer to their “Rutherford Vista” vineyard.

Winemaker, Aaron Mosely, formerly with DeMoor Winery, was hired as winemaker in 1997. He crafts each of the 100% varietals, using an integrated French and American oak barrel management program. After bottling, each vintage is held back a short time before release, allowing for additional bottle aging. Prior to 1997, Bettinelli wines were made by Greg Graham.
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Six miles west of the tiny town of Philo in Mendocino County the traveler comes to a sign announcing that he/she has arrived at Handley Cellars, where Milla Handley is winemaker. As the great great granddaughter of Henry Weinhard of Oregon brewery fame, Milla must have had some bubbles in her genes and, thinking in terms of wine, not beer, Milla enrolled in fermentation science courses at the University of California at Davis.
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Not too many moons ago, those wishing to try Blackstone Winery wines would have to consult their maps and head for the tiny hamlet of Graton in western Sonoma County. Wine tasting premises were shared with a couple of other wineries, and while the building was quaint and beautifully restored, there was no winery to tour, or winemaker to meet.
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