Daily Archives: January 29, 2009

S3x Late Harvest Riesling 2006

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

S3x, Russian River Valley, Late Harvest, Riesling 2006 Tasted back in early ’08 this wine was a show-stopper. Now in early ’09 the dried apricots are still shining with essence of honey in the nose. What makes this wine so … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Late Harvest White, Riesling, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, White Dessert | Leave a comment

Chateau Guiraud Sauternes 2005

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Chateau Guiraud, Sauternes 2005 Minerality, honey and tropical fruits mark the nose. The mouth is all caramel with hints of that minerality – destined to be drunk with creme caramel. 85 hectares are planted to 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, White Dessert | Leave a comment

Focus on the Sonoma Coast

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

James Family, Sonoma Coast, Stony Point Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose features sweet fruit, earthiness and a little warmth while the mouth is a delicious combination of red fruits, earthiness and brown spices. P&B by the James Family in … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Another look at Central Otago

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Mt. Difficulty, Central Otago, Roaring Meg, Pinot Noir 2006 The red fruit smells blend with a bit of compost in the nose. The mouth is tart and a little tannic and lasts a long time. P&B in Bannockburn 14.5% $17.99 … Continue reading →

Posted in Central Otago, New Zealand, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

MacPhail Frattey Shams Pinot 2006

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

MacPhail Family, Anderson Valley, Frattey Shams Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2006 This wine is smoky and warm in the nose and pure suppleness in the mouth. The cherry fruit integrates perfectly with the oak – very polished. The wine spent 11 … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir 2006

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Cloudy Bay, Marlborough, Pinot Noir 2006 In the nose there are fresh and lightly stewed cherries. This wine demonstrates the tart character that Pinot can display and how refreshing and food-friendly that can be. The mouthfeel is creamy as well, … Continue reading →

Posted in Marlborough, New Zealand, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Saint Clair Marlborough Pinot 2007

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Saint Clair, Marlborough, Pinot Noir 2007 Give this new vintage a little air to blow off a bit of reductive character. The fruit is quite alive in the mouth, clean and lively with a price that makes it a great … Continue reading →

Posted in Marlborough, New Zealand, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Kosta Browne Amber Ridge Pinot 2004

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Kosta Browne, Russian River Valley, Amber Ridge Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2004 Sweet oak and brown spices blend with some notes of evolution as this wine develops bottle bouquet. It’s beginning to move into a more complex realm where Pinot shows … Continue reading →

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

Williams Selyem Rochioli Riverblock Pinot 2006

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Williams Selyem, Russian River Valley, Rochioli Riverblock Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2006 The fruit smells from the nose just pop out at you, a mix of the fresh and the candied. In the mouth, the fruit repeats with a creaminess that … Continue reading →

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

Rochioli RRV Pinot 2006

Posted on January 29, 2009 by Ray Johnson

Rochioli, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir 2006 There’s a very sweet expression of fruit in the nose. The mouth is repeats this theme delivering long on the fruit – there’s a yumminess to this wine. Estate grown, produced & bottled … Continue reading →

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