Ray Johnson’s Wine Blog

OAP Mourvedre

Posted in August 12th, 2008

by Ray in California, Contra Costa County, Mourvedre

Jade Mountain, Contra Costa County, Evangelho Vineyard, Mourvedre 2005 There are some reductive notes in the nose to accompany the black fruit. In the mouth there’s a fair amount of acidity, light body and a sense of the alcohol’s warmth. The vineyard was planted back in 1890. Contra Costa offers us great opportunities to taste [...]

Driving for Zin

Posted in July 14th, 2008

by Ray in Amador County, California, Contra Costa County, Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel

Neyers, Contra Costa County, Pato Vineyard, Zinfandel 2005 Stewed and raisiny fruit. P&B in St. Helena 15.6% $24.49 at Bottle Barn Neyers
Z, Amador County, Massoni Ranch, Zinfandel 2005 Sweet oak multiplied by sweet fruit - plush. Z is Jeff Runquist’s Zin brand. This wine is conceived from vines over 100 years old. P&B in Ripon [...]

Sweet Wine from the Bay

Posted in October 12th, 2007

by Ray in California, Contra Costa County, Port, Zinfandel

Rosenblum Cellars San Francisco Bay Castanho Vineyard Zinfandel Port 2003

Viscous and full of vanilla. Noticeable but appropriate sense of alcohol for a port style of wine. This vineyard hails from Contra Costa County and was aged in US and Fr oak for 18 mos. 12% RS P&B Alameda 18% $14.59 (375ml) at Bottle Barn Rosenblum [...]