by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2010 | California, Napa Valley, Petite Sirah
JC Cellars, Napa Valley, Frediani Vineyard, Petite Syrah 2005 The nose is spiritous yet in the mouth the fruit is liqueur-like. The expected tannic profile of Petite is there along with a sense of the alcohol. The cool thing is the added richness, a viscous extract...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2010 | Amador County, California, Dry Creek Valley, Sierra Foothills, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Sobon Estate, Amador County, Old Vines, Zinfandel 2008 Here’s a light-bodied Zin that is quite fruity and ready to quaff. There’s a little sweetness working in the background (about 3 grams per litre) along with a light touch of eucalyptus and a little...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2010 | Campo De Borja, Grenache, Spain
Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Campo De Borja 2007 This wine smells like dessert personified, with vanilla, cherries and pastry dough. In the mouth it is soft and fruity, quite rich and laden with oak, as it has been consistently over the vintages – a real crowd pleaser....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2010 | Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain
Burgáns (Bodegas Martin Códax) Rias Baixas, Burgáns, Albariño 2008 The nose features sweet floral notes while the mouth shows us citrus, lots of acidity and a creamy texture. The grapes are grown on fertile soils overtop granite and schist. The wine sees no oak, only...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2010 | Albariño, California, Monterey County
Ca’ del Solo, Monterey County, Estate Vineyard, Albarino 2008 This wine features a strong signature of citrus and refreshing acidity with a little sense of alcohol as well. The intrusion of the alcohol is disappointing given the beauty of the previous vintage....
