Monthly Archives: January 2010

Kathryn Kennedy Reserve Syarh 2002

Posted on January 31, 2010 by Ray

Kathryn Kenndy, Santa Cruz Mountains, Maridon Vineyard, Reserve, Syrah 2002 This was a delicious wine and I can’t tell you why for the notes are in a journal that I’ve misplaced. Yet I feel compelled to share the story – … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Santa Cruz Mountains, Syrah | Tagged | Leave a comment

Chronicle Zinfandels 2006

Posted on January 30, 2010 by Ray

Proprietor Mike Hengehold was on hand at ZAP today in San Francisco to showcase his Zin portfolio. He is sourcing fruit from vines that were planted in the Russian River long before I was born. The fruit hangs well into … Continue reading →

Posted in Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Tagged | 1 Comment

Petaluma Piccadilly Valley Chardonnay 2004

Posted on January 23, 2010 by Ray

Petaluma, Piccadilly Valley, Chardonnay 2004 The nose offers toastiness, freshly split oak and vanilla with a sense of ripe, tropical fruit. In the mouth the viscosity is matched by steely acidity, combining the best of Burgundian austerity and Australian flamboyance. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adelaide Hills, Australia, Chardonnay, Piccadilly Valley, South Australia | Tagged | Leave a comment

Kenwood Artist Series 1999

Posted on January 22, 2010 by Ray

We had a great visit today with Kryss Speegle at Kenwood Vineyards. She took the class through a tasting of wines through the years so that everyone could experience the evolution a wine goes through, form early days to long … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County | Tagged | 1 Comment

St. James Vintner’s Select Vignoles 2006

Posted on January 22, 2010 by Ray

St. James Winery, Ozark Mountain, Vintner’s Select, Semi-Dry, Vignoles 2006 This wine is like peaches in a glass, infused with simple syrup to add richness. The viscosity is balanced by acidity making for  delightful wine to pair with the spicy … Continue reading →

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Luna Sangiovese 2007

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Ray

Luna, Napa Valley, Sangiovese 2007 This is a light-bodied and fruit forward Sangiovese to tickle the heart of died in the wool New World wine drinkers. I’m a huge fan of Sangiovese but often when I introduce a classic model … Continue reading →

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Saint Clair Vicar’s Choice Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Ray

Saint Clair,  Marlborough, Vicar’s Choice, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 In the nose you’ll find apricot and green pepper spiced up with floral notes. In the mouth the acidity is vibrant and the body light with a bit of petillance – a … Continue reading →

Posted in Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc | Tagged | 1 Comment

Innocent Bystander Shiraz-Viognier 2006

Posted on January 20, 2010 by Ray

Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Shiraz-Viognier 2006 It’s very neat how you get the ripeness of Shiraz, the black fruits that we love, with the cooler climate marker of black pepper, all in one bottle. This is a great walk down the … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Syrah, Victoria, Viognier | Tagged | Leave a comment

Cellars of Sonoma

Posted on January 18, 2010 by Ray

On Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. pacific time I’ll be on the air with Cellars of Sonoma. Listen in or join me live at their tasting room in Santa Rosa. Cheers!

Posted in Media | Tagged | 1 Comment

King Estate Oregon Pinot Gris 2007

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Ray

King Estate, Oregon, Signature Collection, Pinot Gris 2007 In the nose I found tropical fruit, I swear it smelled like lychee. Also there was a spicy floral note, like geranium leaves with some grass and a bit of mint. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon, Pinot Gris and Grigio | Tagged | 3 Comments