Team C&J
Wine Searcher – Châteauneuf Declares War on Dry January
Sober October, Dry January, when will it end? Well, the mayor of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Claude Avril, has had enough. From the article:
“I find it insulting,” he said, “because it doesn’t trust our sense of responsibility. It gives the idea that people are going to get drunk on wine [and] drink bottles all day long without any capacity for moderation. It’s infantilizing. It’s absolutely unbearable.”
How do you really feel, Claude? (And we agree 100% with him.)
The Drinks Business – Vivino’s crowd reviews gain credibility in Cambridge study
It turns out that public tastes often align with the top critics. The study, published in the Journal of Wine Economics (yes, there is a journal for everything), found that crowdsourced reviews often match up with that of top critics. From the Article:
The verdict? Vivino users—while typically rating wines for immediate pleasure—showed a substantial correlation with professional critics. The average correlation of 40% between Vivino and critics such as Jeff Leve and The Wine Advocate was noteworthy, though professional critics’ scores correlated even more strongly among themselves, averaging 63%. Jeff Leve’s assessments exhibited the highest alignment with Vivino’s ratings of 48%, while Decanter showed the least (16%).
Decanter – Dogs sniff out vineyard diseases and pests in trials
A new study confirms that dogs can do much more than play fetch and help apprehend criminals. They can also help winemakers track down vineyard pests and diseases. From the article:
Meanwhile, a pilot project in California indicated that dogs can detect leafroll 3 virus and vine mealybugs with strong accuracy ratings, reported the Wine Business publication in December.
Malbec, a black Labrador, and Sauvi B, an English Springer Spaniel, sniffed out mealybugs in the trial. Cab, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and Zinny, also an English Springer Spaniel, were trained to detect leafroll 3 virus, said the publication.
Wine Spectator – 2024 Wine Value of the Year
All wines on the list must have a WS rating of 90 Points or higher and cost less than $40. A quick scan shows that this is a very diverse list. The winner is:
SEGHESIO
Zinfandel Sonoma County 2022
93 points | $26 | 112,500 cases made
The 2022 bottling is about 88 percent Zinfandel, while a mix of grapes such as Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet make up the rest. It was a hot vintage with a record-breaking heat dome settling in during September.
We got lucky and stopped in here on our last trip to Paso. Along the picturesque Adelaida Road, Adelaida Vineyards and Winery stand out in the Central Coast wine region. The estate’s reputation for exceptional wines, breathtaking views, and refined hospitality make it a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.
C&J Rating: 92 – Vivino Score: 4.2 – Value Rating: 5/5 – Price: $30
The 2021 Inkblot Cabernet Franc from Michael David Winery showcases the untapped potential of Lodi’s terroir. With a deep ruby hue and a palate bursting with blackberry, allspice, and oak, this wine is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of winemaker Sean Goehring.
Nestled in Orange, California, The Hobbit restaurant has become an iconic establishment in the local dining scene since its opening three decades ago. With its fairytale-like ambiance, the restaurant sets the stage for a non-traditional dining experience that unfolds over three intriguing Acts. Dining at The Hobbit promises a unique and unforgettable culinary journey and one that makes this one of the region’s best destination restaurants.
Corkage Fee: $25 Per Bottle / Two Max
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