TasteWine

Ray Johnson’s Wine Blog

Kathryn Kennedy Reserve Syarh 2002

Posted in January 31st, 2010
by Ray in California, Santa Cruz Mountains, Syrah

Kathryn Kenndy, Santa Cruz Mountains, Maridon Vineyard, Reserve, Syrah 2002 This was a delicious wine and I can’t tell you why for the notes are in a journal that I’ve misplaced. Yet I feel compelled to share the story – sometimes the deliciousness of a wine stands out strongly in memory even when the reasons [...]

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Sonnet Santa Cruz Mountains Muns Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005

Posted in December 12th, 2008
by Ray in California, Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains

Sonnet, Santa Cruz Mountains, Muns Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2005 There is bright berry fruit, and a bit of Bandaid in the nose. The mouth is still rather tight and the fruit is starting to break out and shine. The vineyard, owned by Ed Muns, is perched in spots above the fogline at 2600 feet. A [...]

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Thomas Fogarty Santa Cruz Mountains Reserve Pinot Noir 1999

Posted in December 12th, 2008
by Ray in California, Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains

Thomas Fogarty, Santa Cruz Mountains, Estate Reserve, Pinot Noir 1999 There’s quite a sense of the horse saddle at this point in time, with brown spices and prunes and dried fruits. The mouth is drying out and the brett is starting to dominate. Serve with sausages and all will be OK. Winemaker Michael Martella. GP&B [...]

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California heavyweights

Posted in July 21st, 2008
by Ray in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, Rutherford, Santa Cruz Mountains

Some heavyweights are elegant on their feet, others draw lots of money in their direction and some are quite big. This post explores famous names and rising stars across the price spectrum.
Quintessa, Rutherford Napa Valley, Red Wine 2004 There’s ample black fruit and subtle, integrated oak to smell. In the mouth the tannin is ripe [...]

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Heading south of San Francisco for Pinot Noir

Posted in April 10th, 2008
by Ray in California, Mt. Harlan, Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains

Hallcrest Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Belle Farms Pinot Noir 2005 Earth and brambles to smell with tart cherries and a silky texture. The brett is in check but will be too much for some. Winemaker and proprietor John Schumacher. 13.9% winery sample Hallcrest
Calera Mt. Harlan Mills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005 (30th Anniv. Vintage)
Brimming with red [...]

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