by Clark Smith
November 14, 2008



The Santa Cruz Mountains are the source of some of the most intense and distinctive wines on the planet; and Pinot Noir is their king. And unlike other regions, it’s almost all single vineyard wines. Since multi-vineyard blends are in a decided minority, we were treated to a wonderful opportunity to look for patterns.

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by Clark Smith
November 10, 2008



In our Best-of-Appellation™ evaluation of Petite Sirahs from eighteen different AVA’s, it was quite evident that the variety is capable of great regional variability. In retrospect, the reasons seem obvious. Aromatics, color and tannin. All abound in the grape, and the development of each appears strongly influenced by place.

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by Roger Dial
October 28, 2008

APPELLATION AMERICA’s Best-of-Appellation™ Evaluation Program is designed to repair the chronic disconnect between the structure of the wine industry in the US and Canada, as it has developed through diversification over the last four decades, and our under-developed appreciation of how to effectively market that diversity.

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by Laurie Daniel
September 17, 2008

While much of Monterey County is known for its large-scale grape farming and good-value wines, the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation has managed to set itself apart as a home of artisan viticulture and winemaking.

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