Ray Johnson’s Wine Blog

Phoenix flight

Posted in August 30th, 2008

by Ray in Anderson Valley, California, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Hunter Valley, Lodi, Mendocino County, Mendocino Ridge, New South Wales, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel

When Vacu-Dry ceased operations in Sebastopol, California, many bemoaned the continuing decline of the apple industry in Sonoma’s West County region. Yet from those ashes many a high-flying phoenix has taken flight.
The large and rather dingy industrial complex that used to house Vacu-Dry has been turned into a rabbit warren of artisan winemakers, each with [...]

Screamin’ Semillon

Posted in December 9th, 2007

by Ray in Australia, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Semillon

Pepper Tree Hunter Valley Semillon 2005
This baby is screaming with acidity - very green and right on target. Put it to bed for the long haul and enjoy it when it matures. 100% Semillon fermented in stainless. Winemaker Chris Cameron. Produced in Pokolbin 11.5% $15.99 at Traverso’s Pepper Tree

Sweet side of Semillon

Posted in December 7th, 2007

by Ray in Australia, Barossa, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, South Australia, White Dessert

Margan Hunter Valley Botrytis Semillon 2005
This wines has tropical fruit and the volatility that accompanies many botrytis wines. The palate is very thick and the acidity seems shy though the stats say otherwise at 10 g/L. RS 12.7%, alcohol 10.5% $25 (375ml) at Traverso’s Margan
Peter Lehmann Barossa Botrytis Semillon 2001
There’s wet straw and caramel in [...]