TasteWine

Ray Johnson’s Wine Blog

Sonoma County Harvest Fair 2009 Bordeaux stars

Posted in October 10th, 2009
by Ray in Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Malbec, Merlot, Sonoma County

Spragia Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Home Ranch, Merlot 2006 The nose features a strong blast of fresh oak. In the mouth that note carries through, with plummy fruit, a little warmth and a supple texture. V&B in St. Helena 15.6% $19.99 at Bottle Barn Sbragia Family
Charles Creek, Alexander Valley, East Soda Rock Vineyard, Malbec [...]

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2004 Napa Bordeaux Blends

Posted in September 29th, 2009
by Ray in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Stags Leap District

Franciscan, Napa Valley, Magnificat 2004 This wine exudes sweet ripe fruit in the nose. This profile follows through in the mouth with chalky tannins and lingering acidity. Produced and bottled in Rutherford 14.5% $50 at the winery for the latest vintage ‘05 Franciscan
Chimney Rock, Napa Valley, Elevage 2004 The nose features caramel and the sweet [...]

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Geyser Peak Reserve Alexandre 1999

Posted in April 24th, 2009
by Ray in Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Meritage, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sonoma County

Geyser Peak, Alexander Valley, Reserve Alexandre, Meritage 1999 The nose is drying out yet there is quite a bit of chocolate to enjoy. The mouth has reached a rather astringent phase, drying out. The acidity is carrying some nice elements of dried cherry along but honestly this wine has gone over the hill at year [...]

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La Caminade Cahors La Commandery 2004

Posted in November 19th, 2008
by Ray in Cahors, France, Malbec

Chateau La Caminade, Cahors, La Commandery 2004 There’s a slathering of new oak on this wine, showing toast, vanilla and smoke in the nose. In the mouth there is great density and balance, the tannin not dominating but rather playing a role. Give it a few years for the oak to integrate and many more [...]

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Sonoma County Harvest Fair Best of Class Bordeaux Varieties

Posted in October 11th, 2007
by Ray in Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Carneros, France, Malbec, Margaux, Merlot, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley

Nelson Estate Sonoma Valley Bennett Valley Vineyard Malbec 2004
The nose is oak city and the palate is very supple with moderate acidity and a long finish. I think that many will find this wine agreeable and readily approachable. Aged in Fr oak for 18 mos. C&B in Healdsburg 13.6% $21.99 at Bottle Barn Nelson [...]

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