by Ray Johnson | Aug 31, 2008 | California, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
I’ve often been guilty of asserting that Zinfandel doesn’t last. I’ve opened too many aging Zins to find them falling apart, so much so that I had given up aging them. And honestly, it’s not so bad drinking them when they are young and full of...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 30, 2008 | 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...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 29, 2008 | Cayuga White, Finger Lakes, New York
Belhurst, Finger Lakes, Cayuga 2006 There’s lots of citrus and stone fruits to smell and the palate dazzles with the sweet and tart character of Middle Mosel Rieslings – delicious. The RS is 2.7%. P&B in Geneva 12.5% $14.95 at the winery Belhurst
by Ray Johnson | Aug 27, 2008 | Bandol, France, Mourvedre, Provence
Domaine Tempier, Bandol 2005 The black fruit is blended with herbs of the region, fresh from the landscape and an element of meat on the grill. In the mouth there is lots of fruit wrapped up in tannic youthfulness. The balance is there in the concentration of the wine...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 27, 2008 | France, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Rosé
Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rose 2007 The fresh fruit is evident in this low acid rose. This estate was farming organically before many jumped on board and all of the wines are today certified organic. The 2007 rose is about 60% Grenache with a medley of...