Monthly Archives: September 2007

Island Wine

Posted on September 28, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Southern Italian white table wines have improved by leaps and bounds over the last decade. As in other hot winegrowing regions, temperature control in the cellar is making the difference between wines that smell like nuts and varnish versus fresh … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Sardegna, Sicilia, Vermentino | Leave a comment

Blandy’s 5 Year Malmsey

Posted on September 24, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Malmsey nv This wine is quite consistent in displaying complexity, sweetness and balancing acidity.  Again today’s bottle wraps caramel and butterscotch into a good value fortified dessert wine. For me it makes one of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Madeira, Portugal | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A Big Wine Production Starring Nebbiolo

Posted on September 24, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Fratelli Revello Barolo DOCG 2003 This is the Revello’s regional bottling and it’s no slouch. Tasted earlier in the year, I wrote: spot on for the price, with new world styling of chocolaty oak and ripe fruit along with massive … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbaresco, Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte | Leave a comment

Barbera no Hanna

Posted on September 24, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Barbera can deliver berry flavor with the acidity to keep up with acidic dishes. This flight featured two examples from either side of the Atlantic. The first time the California offering was from Seghesio. Tonight we line-up a wine from … Continue reading →

Posted in Amador County, Barbera, Piemonte, Sierra Foothills, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Gewurz is not second rate

Posted on September 24, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Gewurztraminer has its detractors out there, yet I remain a fan. This flight features two regions that embrace this variety, Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley and sunny Alsace in the eastern reaches of France. Handley Anderson Valley Gewurztraminer 2006 This wine … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, Anderson Valley, Gewurztraminer, Mendocino County | Leave a comment

Alsatian aperitif

Posted on September 24, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Domaine Weinbach Alsace Reserve Pinot Blanc 2005 This is a gem.  There is fresh citrus, stone fruit and floral notes to smell.  In the mouth there is a moderate+ amount of acidity and the taste of citrus.  This is a … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc | Leave a comment

Glorious Gris!

Posted on September 24, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Zenato Delle Venezie IGT Pinot Grigio 2006 This regionally-labeled bottling has been a good value high-acid white. The 2005 emphasized citrus notes. The 2006 tasted in this class showed fruits ranging from citrus to tropical. There is a new world … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

California Port

Posted on September 21, 2007 by Ray Johnson

Meyer Family California Port nv This wine was described by one of the students as tasting like a ‘rum raisin chocolate bar’.  I can’t improve on that.  This wine has complexity, some palpable alcohol as in these wines from the … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Port | Leave a comment

Inland Mendocino Zin and Primitivo

Posted on September 21, 2007 by Ray Johnson

This flight features two Mendo wines, one Zinfandel and the other Primitivo. Chiarito Mendocino Estate Bottled Zinfandel 2004 Quite structured with concentration of berries to keep up – a little warm. There’s 11% Petite Sirah in the final blend. Aging … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Mendocino County, Primitivo, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Elegant Zinfandel

Posted on September 21, 2007 by Ray Johnson

The Russian River is known best around the world as the home of great New World Pinot Noir. But we can’t count out the Zin. There are old vineyards delivering concentrated flavors and wines that can be known for their … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Leave a comment