Aaron Romano
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Articles by Aaron Romano
Jackson Family Gets Bubbly in Oregon
Jackson Family Wines (JFW) has made small-batch Oregon sparkling wines since 2014, selling them exclusively through mailing lists and tasting rooms at Gran Moraine and WillaKenzie. A new sparkling wine project, named Banke in honor of CEO Barbara Banke, is expanding that ambition. “I did not pick the name,” Banke says with a laugh. “Everyone voted for it except for me.
History in the Heart of Rutherford
You’d have to be crazy to grow Zinfandel in the Rutherford Dust. Neighboring Oakville, the Rutherford appellation is part of the Napa Valley’s beating Cabernet heart—Cabernet Sauvignon grown here fetches a far higher price than Zinfandel. But for the Morisoli family, growing Zin is a 116-year-old family tradition. They’ve been farming the 1.5-acre Plinio’s Old Block since it was planted in 1910, long before Cabernet was king in the valley.
Sta. Rita Hills Wineries to Watch
For five years running now, I have headed down to Santa Barbara after filing my Pinot Noir and Cabernet tasting reports. Ostensibly to take a little exhale after a busy spring and summer of tasting and writing, I still wind up kicking the dirt in the vineyards and chatting with the folks behind the wines.
Napa’s Silverado Finds Gold in Coombsville
After my first visit with Alison Rodriguez, who took over the winemaking at Silverado Vineyards in 2022, I had a sense that change was afoot at this historic estate. (You can reference the winery’s background via my Winery Intel from that 2024 visit.) Rodriguez started her winemaking career in Germany in the late 1990s and was there through 2005, when she returned to Napa.
Paso by Paso: Saxum’s Coastal Pursuit
This is the sixth in a series of indepth visits to leading names in California's Paso Robles region. To learn the basics of the area and its wines, visit our ABCs of Paso Robles. Standing at the western edge of Saxum’s Cayucos Ridge Vineyard, I am greeted by a picture-perfect morning. Clear skies permit one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific coastline I’ve ever observed.
Paso by Paso: Caliza’s Second Act
This is the fifth in a series of indepth visits to leading names in California's Paso Robles region. To learn the basics of the area and its wines, visit our ABCs of Paso Robles. Just last year, Caliza founding winemaker and owner Carl Bowker celebrated his 20th harvest in Paso Robles. But it will also be among his last using grapes from the estate vineyard he planted in 2006.
Paso by Paso: Terrestrial Transmission at Maha Estate
This is the third in a series of indepth visits to leading names in California's Paso Robles region. To learn the basics of the area and its wines, visit our ABCs of Paso Robles. “Agriculture is very much about control, right? ‘We’re going to take this piece of dirt, and we’re going to do exactly what we want with it,’” says Cris Cherry, co-founder and director of winemaking for Maha and Villa Creek.
Joe Anderson, Co-Founder of Sonoma’s Benovia Winery, Dies at 76
Before founding Benovia Winery, Joe Anderson and his wife, Mary Dewane, spent decades working to expand health care access for Americans. The couple transitioned from wine country tourists to vintners after purchasing the historic Cohn Vineyard in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley in 2003 and launching their own brand, Benovia, in 2005. Anderson died Aug. 4 at age 76 following complications from a fall.
Steve Dutton Asks, How Do You Like These Grapes?
Steve Dutton is synonymous with grape growing in Sonoma County. The fifth-generation farmer’s Dutton Ranch Corp. farms 1,200 acres of grape vines (750 acres of which he owns) along with another 240 acres of apples, the crop that was king in the area before grape vines became the dominant crop. His parents are partly responsible for that shift. Warren and Gail Dutton bought a 35-acre property near the town of Graton in what is now the Russian River Valley appellation back in 1964.
More Than a Legacy
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Inside Montecito's New Coastal-Driven Little Mountain-and Ilili's Bold Midtown Expansion
Chef Diego Moya had always wanted to work in California.
Argentina's premium pivot: The country's vintners transition to higher-end bottlings with more elegant profiles
Ayuda Buscar en la ayuda Buscar en la ayuda Argentina's premium pivot: The country's vintners transition to higher-end bottlings with more elegant profiles Autores: Aaron Romano Localización: The Wine spectator, ISSN 0193-497X, Vol. 50, Nº. 11, 2025, págs. 54-59 Idioma: inglés Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
Elizabeth Banks' Latest Archer Roose Wine 'Stunt'? 1,000+ Meals for World Central Kitchen
"Fundamentally, we view wine as more than just a beverage; it's about coming together around the table," said Marian Leitner-Waldman, CEO and founder of fast-growing canned wine brand Archer Roose. With the holiday season just around the corner and full tables in mind, Archer Roose recently announced a partnership with José Andres' World Central Kitchen (WCK), with the intent to provide meaningful provisions for those in need around the world.
Who Is the Millennial Face of Montalcino Wine?
People Red Wines Sangiovese Italy Tuscany Brunello di Montalcino
Café Vivant Opens in Bay Area, with Heritage Chickens and a 3,000-Bottle Wine List
Who's behind it: After years of research and development, sommeliers Daniel Jung and Jason Jacobeit opened their first restaurant this week, an hour south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley. Café Vivant in Menlo Park, Calif., backed by a 3,000-bottle wine list, complements the second location of their wine retailer, Somm Cellars Wine & Spirits, which debuted over the summer.
Sonoma Mountain’s Best-Kept Secret
Winery Intel red-wines Syrah / Shiraz california Sonoma
Cote Korean Steakhouse Goes All-In on the Las Vegas Strip
Cote Korean Steakhouse continues to raise the stakes. This month, the world-class steak house and Best of Award of Excellence-winning wine destination opened its first location in the western United States at the Venetian on the Las Vegas Strip. The restaurant debuted with a wine list of over 1,200 selections, specializing in magnums. Cote Korean Steakhouse first launched in New York City's Flatiron District in 2017.
California rhônes' broad spectrum: Regional diversity is driving the state's success with rhône-style wines
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A Possible Cause of Napa Valley's Wildfire?
Nearly a month after the Pickett wildfire began, the cause of the blaze in the hills at the northern end of Napa Valley remains the subject of investigation. Now, lawyers for the winery that owns the property where the blaze may have started have asked state fire investigators to look at another possible cause-a faulty car battery.
Wine in a Box? Here Are Some of Our Top Picks
"Everybody loves an underdog," Tablas Creek partner and general manager Jason Haas said with a smile. Is there any bigger underdog in the world of wine than boxed wine? The format was first introduced in the 1970s and drew criticism almost immediately for the poor quality of the wines inside. Subsequent years didn't do it any favors. The boxes almost always contained mass-production wine lacking any personality, and boxed wine became a synonym for cheap wine lacking sophistication.
Pickett Fire Prompts Evacuations and Threatens Vineyards
A fast-moving wildfire has been burning out of control in the hills near the town of Calistoga in northern Napa Valley since 3 p.m. on Aug. 21, ripping through parts of the same area the Glass Fire devastated in 2020. Firefighters have rushed to the scene and worked overnight, but so far the fire is at just 5 percent containment. More than 2,133 acres were scorched in the first 24 hours of the blaze.
To Kalon Creek? No Such Place, Feds Say
Following a five-year saga, the U.S. Board of Geographic Names (BGN) has repealed its own 2017 decision recognizing the name To Kalon Creek. On Aug. 14, the federal agency responsible for approving and maintaining official geographic names for the United States ruled to vacate the name, favoring Constellation Brands, which owns Robert Mondavi Winery and had petitioned to have "To Kalon Creek" removed from the BGN's list of registered places.
What's In a Name? A Hearing on a Napa Creek Could Impact America's Most Storied Vineyard
After five years of legal maneuvering, a federal agency will meet on Thursday, July 10, in Washington, D.C., to weigh the fate of one of Napa Valley's most storied parcels. Is To Kalon, a name lauded as a source of grapes by wineries and growers alike including Robert Mondavi Winery, Opus One and Andy Beckstoffer, a specific place? Or is it simply a brand, a protected trademark?
Napa Valley updates: Exploring the ever-evolving heart of California wine country
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Meet the New Face of Wine at Union Square Hospitality Group
To Morrow, USHG has always been a benchmark in the hospitality industry. "[My wife and I] never would have come to New York for any other group," says Morrow. "I thought that ship had sailed. When I heard about this opportunity, it completely changed my perspective on life and what I was willing to do for the right thing.
One of Napa Valley's Top Restaurants for Wine Opens a Café Next Door
Who's behind it: The team behind Wine Spectator Grand Award winner Press Restaurant-including owner Samantha Rudd (also proprietor of Rudd Estate), chef Philip Tessier and managing partner and director of operations Justin Williams-has taken over part of the vacant neighboring building in the Napa Valley town of St. Helena for a casual all-day café. Tyler Potts, beverage director for Press, curates the wine program.
Is Canned Wine Catching On? Here Are 12 Great Examples
Skeptics continue to discredit the viability and quality of wine in a can. Yet, canned wine brands are thriving and their makers are quick to point out that the category continues to be the fastest-growing format for wine sales in the United States. "When I reflect back on when we launched (in 2020), the progress has been immense; and I feel like the entire industry is [also] seeing it," said Sarah Hoffman, co-founder of Maker. The numbers don't lie.
New Reviews of 8 Delicious West Coast Wines to Pair with Mexican Fare
Today is Cinco de Mayo, and while a crisp beer or tangy margarita may be at the top of your mind, consider this selection of food-friendly wines for the celebration before reaching for a typical tipple. This week's Tasting Highlights features a variety of red and white options, as well as rosé and bubbly, all well-suited for Mexican fare and with scores ranging up to 93 points. Suppose an asada is on the agenda; deliberate over the selection of reds below.
Chile at the Pinnacle: Standout vintages in 2021 and now 2022 put a spotlight on the country's diverse offerings from top terroirs
Ayuda Buscar en la ayuda Buscar en la ayuda Chile at the Pinnacle: Standout vintages in 2021 and now 2022 put a spotlight on the country's diverse offerings from top terroirs Autores: Aaron Romano Localización: The Wine spectator, ISSN 0193-497X, Vol. 50, Nº. 2, 2025, págs. 80-85 Idioma: inglés Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
Augustine Opens from the Team Behind Two California Grand Award Winners
Who's behind it: San Francisco's Bacchus Management Group runs several Bay Area restaurants, including Grand Award winners Spruce and the Village Pub, as well as Best of Award of Excellence winner Selby's. The group has expanded its portfolio with Augustine and the adjoining Cafe Augustine on San Jose's Santana Row, a lively luxury shopping and residential district where Bacchus has operated Pizza Antica for more than 20 years.
Historic Washington, D.C. Restaurant the Occidental Gets New Life (and a New Cellar)
Who's behind it: Restaurateur Stephen Starr and his Starr Restaurants group reopened, and reimagined, a legendary Washington, D.C., restaurant: the Occidental. Located in the historic Willard Hotel, just a block from the White House, the restaurant has been a dining destination for the country's political leaders since opening in 1906. Starr took over ownership a year and a half ago, following a pandemic-induced closure.
Chile Is a Bright Spot in the U.S. Market
Could 2025 be a year of opportunity for Chilean wine in the U.S.? After rough years of slowing sales, 2024 brought big gains for producers sending their wines to the U.S., the South American nation's third-biggest market. And while value-priced bottles continue to be the country's main wine export to the U.S., wines priced between $10 to $20 per bottle are starting to gain traction. That price point just happens to be the most promising segment of the U.S. wine market right now.
Napa's Cliff Lede Vineyards Has a New Property-Right Next Door
Wine Spectator has learned that Cliff Lede Vineyards has acquired the 7.5-acre vineyard adjacent to the winery's Stags Leap District facility, increasing its estate vineyard holdings to more than 160 acres in Napa Valley. Since 2002, the Lede family had leased the vineyard and farmed it for its owners, the Andelin family. Lede's total production is 20,000 cases annually. "This was a generational opportunity," said general manager and COO Jason Lede.
Italian Restaurant Marea Arrives in L.A.
Who's behind it: Altamarea Group, the hospitality company founded by CEO Ahmass Fakahany, operates more than 20 restaurants worldwide, including Wine Spectator Grand Award Winner Ai Fiori in New York. Best of Award of Excellence winner, Marea, located on Central Park South, is the company's first restaurant and its flagship.
Napa Valley's Newest Appellation: Crystal Springs
Napa Valley has a new appellation. Thirteen years after Coombsville was created by the federal government as an American Viticultural Area, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has approved Crystal Springs of Napa Valley. Learn more about Crystal Springs as well as other recent developments in Napa in the Jan. 31 - Feb.
Commemorating Cobos: An exclusive tasting of Paul Hobbs' flagship Viña Cobos bottling reveals the winery's 25-year evolution
Ayuda Buscar en la ayuda Buscar en la ayuda Commemorating Cobos: An exclusive tasting of Paul Hobbs' flagship Viña Cobos bottling reveals the winery's 25-year evolution Autores: Aaron Romano Localización: The Wine spectator, ISSN 0193-497X, Vol. 49, Nº. 11, 2024, págs. 53-55 Idioma: inglés Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
New Reviews of 8 Outstanding Napa Sauvignon Blancs, at 90 Points or Higher
The Rutherford subregion is regarded for its terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignons, but that's not all to be found here; it's home to three of the Sauvignon Blancs featured in this lineup. Two are from Round Pond Estate, which is in the heart of the appellation with an impressive 362 acres of vineyards. The sleek and polished Jannine Bovet Home Ranch Reserve bottling pays homage to matriarch Jannine MacDonnell's family, who have winemaking roots dating to the 1920s.
The Founder of Napa's Clos Pegase and a Leading Patron of the Arts Has Died
Jan Shrem, who left an indelible mark on California's wine industry through his dedication to the arts and charitable generosity, died last month at the age of 94. The founder of Clos Pegase winery in Calistoga, Shrem was also a consummate philanthropist, contributing to The MET Opera, Festival Napa Valley, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the University of California at San Francisco Neurology Clinic.
Top Chef Winner Danny Garcia and Michael Mina Both Open New Seafood Restaurants
Who’s behind it: Time and Tide is the latest Manhattan restaurant from Kent Hospitality Group. The opening comes after a challenging time for the group: This past June, its founder, chef Jamal “James” Kent, died unexpectedly at age 45, a tragedy felt throughout American fine dining. The group subsequently changed its name from Saga Hospitality Group to honor him.
New Reviews of 8 Delicious Malbec Reds from Argentina, with Scores Up to 93 Points
A few decades ago, when Argentine Malbecs made their first splash on the international wine scene, they were adored for their soft, fruity profiles and affordable price tags. However, volume was favored over quality; and heavy extractions and use of oak led to a uniform, albeit still very quaffable style. But in the years since, winemakers have drastically improved their viticulture and winemaking techniques while homing in on terroirs for more expressive and distinctive versions.
Basketball Writer Marc Spears Has an Olympic-Sized Passion for Wine
Spears, a Bay Area native, has covered the NBA for 25 years, including time with The Denver Post, The Boston Globe and Yahoo Sports, before joining ESPN in 2015. He has won numerous awards for his work, known for its in-depth exploration of the intersection between race, sports and culture. Spears also served as co-host and executive producer of The Conversations Project, an unscripted dinner party series produced for Hulu that highlights Black-owned wineries.
New Reviews of 8 California and Washington Value Whites, Including Sauvignon Blanc
Among the top-scoring wines is a bright and fresh Chenin Blanc from Santa Barbara–based Foxen. Located in the cool-climate Santa Maria Valley, the Ernest Wickenden Vineyard is an estate site for the winery, and it features 58-year-old Chenin Blanc plantings that provide the grapes for this white. Winemaker David Whitehair aged the wine for five months in French oak puncheons, with a small amount also going into acacia barrels.
Here's What's You Need to Know About Somni Reopening in Beverly Hills
A Los Angeles return: After a four-year hiatus, acclaimed restaurant Somni is reopening in West Hollywood, Calif. Somni (meaning “dream” in Catalan) was founded by chef Aitor Zabala and culinary leader and humanitarian José Andrés in 2018; despite being limited to just 10 guests each service, the restaurant rapidly grew in popularity. It also earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for its wine list in 2019 and 2020.
A Pinot lover's guide to Santa Barbara: Explore one of California's most nuanced and fascinating terroirs through its captivating Pinot Noir
Ayuda Buscar en la ayuda Buscar en la ayuda A Pinot lover's guide to Santa Barbara: Explore one of California's most nuanced and fascinating terroirs through its captivating Pinot Noir Autores: Aaron Romano Localización: The Wine spectator, ISSN 0193-497X, Vol. 49, Nº. 7, 2024, págs. 32-49 Idioma: inglés Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
We Just Reviewed 8 California and Washington Value Wines Priced as Low as $9
Sep 23, 2024 It's great to be well-stocked on “any night” wines for whenever the occasion arises. But there's no reason to skimp on taste for the sake of affordability. Our latest Tasting Highlights features a mix of red, white and sparkling wines priced less than $35. There’s even a canned wine for fans of single-serving options.
NBA Star Donovan Mitchell Crafts His Own Napa Wine for the Prisoner
Unfiltered sports Cabernet Sauvignon Napa California
In Pursuit of the Perfect Crust
From the Oct 31, 2024, issue There’s nothing like a homemade pizza fresh from the oven. Chef Tony Gemignani, who leads the kitchen at Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, shares the best way to make pizza dough at home. Get the recipe here! Member-Only Content Premium Subscription Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.
New Reviews of 8 Sparkling Wines from California, Oregon and Beyond, Up to 92 Points
Sep 9, 2024 There’s no debating that sparkling wine can be expensive. For instance, Champagne sales and exports have been declining in recent years, partly due to demand driving up prices. Meanwhile, bubbly fans may be looking for alternate options from other sparkling-wine sources around the world. You can start with these eight delicious yet affordable sparklers made in the United States.
Take Your Hummus to New Heights
Hummus is a dish that many probably take for granted; it’s ubiquitous in grocery stores, packaged in various styles and flavors. But hummus is far from conventional for Zachary Engel, executive chef and co-owner of Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner Galit in Chicago. Engel grew up in a Jewish American household and has a powerful and influential taste memory of outstanding hummus from living in Israel as a young cook. “I knew of two places that were like the places for hummus.
Kitchen Istanbul’s Joseph DiGrigoli Is Serious About Making Wine Fun
Aug 30, 2024 From the outside, Kitchen Istanbul, in San Francisco’s primarily residential Inner Richmond district, appears to be a low-key corner neighborhood eatery. Inside, however, is a wine program newly recognized with a Best of Award of Excellence for a growing list of over 375 selections. But it wasn’t always this way. When owner and executive chef Emrah Kilicoglu opened Kitchen Istanbul in 2013, it quickly gained a reputation for its cozy atmosphere and warm hospitality.
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