by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Spring Mountain District
Pride Mountain Vineyards, Napa Sonoma, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 In the nose there is a sense of Bordeaux, with cigar box and sweet pipe tobacco to augment the black fruit. In the mouth you find plenty of structure in a ripe way, tannic but not green, approachable now...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2009 | California, Merlot, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
Paloma, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District, Merlot 2006 Sweet liquer-like fruit fills the glass. In the mouth, the expression of fruit is dynamic and kissed by oak. Also, there is the acidity lacking in many of Merlot’s flabby cousins – a treat....
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2009 | California, Carneros, Pinot Noir
Ancien, Carneros, Toyon Farm, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose features red fruits, smokiness and charred wood. In the mouth, the cherries and strawberries sing and are accompanied by an oaky sweetness and creamy texture. Winemakers Ken and Teresa Bernards, Bot. in Napa...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2009 | California, Riesling, Santa Barbara County
Rancho Sisquoc, Santa Barbara County, Riesling 2007 The fruit in the nose has a candied character and a bit of petrol has developed. In the mouth is the perfect ratio of sweet to tart, residual sugar balancing acidity – very nice and a value. GP&B out on...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 21, 2009 | California, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc
Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Bright citrus marks the nose and repeats in the mouth. There’s plenty of the acidity that you would expect as well as a richness as in the previous vintage, owing to some barrel fermentation, Semillon and a...
