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Tim Lemke

Tim is the founder and chief reviewer at Cheap Wine Ratings since 2007.

Review: River Road, Un-oaked Chardonnay

Last week I wrote about a Chardonnay from River Road, so this week I thought I’d write about a Chardonnay from River Road. But wait, this one is different! This is their Un-oaked Chardonnay. This wine is part of what River Road calls their “Heart Series” of wines, which they describe as “fun, innovative, break-the rules, […]

Review: River Road, Russian River Valley Reserve Chardonnay

I’m always interested in learning the stories behind the wines I try, whether that’s the story of the winemaker, the vineyard, the region or something else. The first thing that caught my attention when looking into this wine is that River Road winery is owned by Ron Rubin, who also owns The Republic of Tea […]

Review: Zen Garden Riesling

If you’ve followed me for long you likely know I love Riesling and gravitate toward German Riesling more than others. That’s not to say Riesling from other regions isn’t good, but let’s just say I’ve had good luck more consistently with Riesling from Germany versus some other regions. Germany has a long history of winemaking […]

Review: Louis Guntrum, Niersteiner, Riesling

When you see a bottle of wine sitting on the shelf at the wine shop you usually don’t know a whole lot about that wine. It may be a wine you’ve had before and you’re familiar with it. But there are so many different wines on the market, chances are good you stare at the […]

Review: Hopes End Cabernet Sauvignon

I saw a trends report a few years ago highlighting that how wines are defined is changing. Winemakers are getting more experimental, doing things like infusing wines or adding ingredients other than grapes in order to create unique-tasting wines. Certainly, traditional wines still dominate the market but you do see some things you never would […]

Olive Oil Review: Herdade do Esporão, Olival dos Arrifes

I decided to mix things up and add a food review, specifically an olive oil review. Olives frequently grow well in regions where wine grapes also grow well. As such, I’ve taken part in a number of different olive oil tastings during my wine travels. I’ve learned a little bit about how to taste them […]

Review: Franzen, Elbling

It’s an exciting day for me. Why? Because I get to add a new wine variety to the list of those I’ve tried. That may sound silly, but it’s a big deal for grape nuts like me. A number of years ago I earned my membership in the Wine Century Club, which recognizes wine enthusiasts […]

Review: Domaine Bousquet, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Something those new to wine or only casually into wine may not realize is when a wine is labeled as a varietal wine (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon), it’s not necessarily made 100% of that variety. It only needs to be a certain percentage of that grape, the exact percentage varies by regional regulations but is typically […]

Review: Winnings Riesling

I was surprised when I realized I haven’t previously written about Von Winning, Winnings Riesling. Why was I surprised? Because it’s one of my personal, “go to” Rieslings. When I’m in a rush at the wine shop and I want a good Riesling at a reasonable price, that I know will be aromatic and delicious, […]

Review: Ondine Chattan Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is one of those wine varieties that can come to life in one of many different personalities. Some are super tropical, some are elegant and mineral, some have overwhelming grassy aromas, and some are perfectly balanced. Some are made in styles I enjoy, while others can be over the top for my taste. […]