Monthly Archives: February 2009

Esterlina Riesling 2007

Posted on February 22, 2009 by Ray

During the Winemakers of Sonoma Class at the Santa Rosa Junior College, we’ve been visiting with some of the region’s most famous stars. Mike Lee charted the history of winemaking in the area and his list of Big Improvements for … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Cole Ranch, Mendocino County, Riesling | 1 Comment

Tin Barn Syrah

Posted on February 22, 2009 by Ray

Tin Barn, Sonoma Coast, Coryelle Fields, Syrah 2004 The nose sports loads of oak while in the mouth the oak adds to the richness of this ripe, black fruit driven, supple Syrah. Managing Partner and Winemaker Mike Lancaster 14.2% $28 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Syrah | Leave a comment

Bonterra Muscat 2007

Posted on February 12, 2009 by Ray

Bonterra, Lake County, Bartolucci Vineyard, Muscat 2007 The muscat perfume is there though not as vibrant and fresh as in previous incarnations. The mouth is moderately sweet and medium bodied, tasting of sweet ginger ale. This wine brings back memories … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Lake County, Muscat | Leave a comment

Innocent Bystander Moscato 2008

Posted on February 12, 2009 by Ray

Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Moscato 2008 The previous vintage was so pretty and this one repeats – the essence of Muscat’s perfume in a light-bodied format, perfect with a light dessert of fresh berries in the summer. Bottled under crown cap … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Leave a comment

Chambolle Musigny 2006

Posted on February 12, 2009 by Ray

Domaine Anne Gros, Chambolle-Musigny, La Combe d’Orveau 2006 The nose is sweet and toasty. The mouth features concentrated cherry fruit with a bit of earthiness, a supple texture and lots of acidity to carry this wine a long, long way. … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chambolle-Musigny, Cote de Nuits | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Burgundy 2005

Posted on February 12, 2009 by Ray

Domaine de Montille, Bourgogne 2005 Mint combines with vibrant red fruits in the nose. The mouth is quite concentrated, full of acidity and a tannic veneer. Lay this down for a few years. This is from the famous De Montille … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Cote de Beaune, Cote de Nuits, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Santa Lucia Pinot 2006

Posted on February 12, 2009 by Ray

Belle Glos, Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands, Las Alturas Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2006 There’s smoke, liquer-like fruit and dusty cedar in the nose while the mouth follows through with warmth and earthiness on a supple blanket. Winemaker Joseph Wagner of … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Monterey County, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands | Leave a comment

Ventana Riesling 2007

Posted on February 12, 2009 by Ray

Ventana Vineyards, Monterey, Arroyo Seco, Riesling 2007 I only had a fleeting chance to taste this wine during the segment with Henry on KRON when we blasted through the sweeps winners of this year’s Chronicle Wine Competition. Tonight I get … Continue reading →

Posted in Arroyo Seco, California, Monterey County, Riesling | Leave a comment

VinVillage Radio

Posted on February 11, 2009 by Ray

I’ll be on the air with host Lynn Chamberlain later today at 4:00 p.m. pst, on VinVillageRadio, a weekly “wine & dine” talk-radio show.  We’ll be discussing the results of the Chronicle Wine Competition and my upcoming class at Sonoma … Continue reading →

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Inniskillin Riesling Ice Wine 2006

Posted on February 5, 2009 by Ray

Inniskillin, Niagara Peninsula, Ice Wine, Riesling 2006 The nose is a medley of fruits with lots of honey. The dried apricot essence comes through vividly in the rich and thick palate. RS of 220 grams per litre. Bottled in Niagara-on-the-Lake … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, Ice Wine, Late Harvest White, Niagara Peninsula, Riesling, White Dessert | 1 Comment