by Ray Johnson | May 30, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Over the past few weekends I’ve had the opportunity to visit some of the wineries in Sonoma’s famed Russian River Valley. This region is rightfully known for its Pinot Noir, a red wine of suppleness coupled the food-friendly charm of acidity. Yet there are...
by Ray Johnson | May 25, 2008 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sonoma County
Stryker Sonoma sits on a little hill with a broad view of the Alexander Valley. We recently visited with Jen Berman on the winemaking team and the Bordeaux varietals were top-notch. I thoroughly enjoyed the chocolaty Merlot and the supple and vanilla spiced Petit. As...
by Ray Johnson | May 20, 2008 | Italy, Primitivo, Puglia
A Mano Puglia Primitivo IGT 2005 Fine for the price – it shows some Zin-like jammy fruit and complexity probably from a bit of brett. The latest bottle sample in April ’08 was especially supple and Zin-like. Bot for Amano in Castellaneta, just above Taranto in...
by Ray Johnson | May 16, 2008 | Italy, Moscato d'Asti, Muscat, Piemonte, Sweet Sparkling
Michele Chiarlo Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2007 Perfect White Muscat smells of orange blossoms and a multitude of other flowers. In the mouth one feels like you’ve just popped a handful of flowers passed your lips, with sweetness and delicacy. P&B in...
by Ray Johnson | May 16, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Mumm Napa Napa Valley Grande Annee 2001 Lots of citrus fruit in the sparkler of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A lighter-bodied sparkling that is fruit driven, rounded and possessing some floral/minty characteristics. P&B in Rutherford 12.5% $30 at the winery...
