by Ray Johnson | Jul 31, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Clear Lake, Lake County, Mendocino County, Merlot
Like Rosenblum Cellars on the San Francisco Bay, you can literally arrive by boat when you visit Ceago Vinegarden. The estate takes its name from a Pomo Indian word and is pronounced in the same way as Diego. It is situated in a gem of a spot on the northeastern shore...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 31, 2009 | California, Grenache, Lake County, Tempranillo
With the 2005 vintage, Byron Kosuge is fully in charge of the winemaking at Tejada. In June we sampled the 05s with Ibo Tejada and his family at their estate in Lake County. The estate is noted for its focus on the grapes of Spain, cultivated organically. Tejada, Lake...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 30, 2009 | California, Fortified dessert, Napa Valley, Port
Prager, Napa Valley, Imogene’s Vineyard, Tomas, Port 2004 This wine is full of dried fruits, prunes and dark chocolate, with sweetness and warmth. The grapes were sourced from the family’s property in Calistoga. GP&B in St. Helena 19.5% $45.99 at...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 30, 2009 | California, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah
Foxen, Santa Ynez Valley, Williamson-Dore Vineyard, Syrah 2006 This vintage exudes sweetness, like berry jam and raspberry liqueur. In the mouth it is supple and warm, oaky and smoky – a very rich and ripe style of red wine. The previous vintage was also a crowd...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 30, 2009 | Burgundy, Chambolle-Musigny, Chardonnay, Cote de Nuits, France, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Dujac Fils & Pere, Chambolle-Musigny 2006 Give the wine some air to blow off a musty character and the fruit begins to emerge with notes of smoke and brambles. Give the wine another 40 minutes and the sweetness of the fruit emerges. In the mouth there is great...
