by Ray Johnson | May 19, 2010 | Moscato d'Asti, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet
La Caudrina, Moscato d’Asti 2009 This is a consistent wine, with a repeat of notes from the previous vintage: a lovely sense of orange blossoms in the nose while the mouth is sweet and ethereal – very nice. Estate bottled in Castiglione Tinella 5.5% purchased for...
by Ray Johnson | May 18, 2010 | Alexander Valley, California, Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Geyser Peak, Alexander Valley, Water Bend, Block Collection, Chardonnay 2008 This Chardonnay speaks richness on all fronts, toasty, buttery, ripe tropical fruit and a thick, rather unctuous texture in the mouth. Produced and bottled under Stelvin in Geyersville 14.1%...
by Ray Johnson | May 17, 2010 | Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal, Single Quinta Port, Tawny Port
Dow’s, Porto, Quinta do Bomfim, Vintage 1996 The nose features brandied cherries, with a bit of prunes as well. In the mouth, the tannins have resolved yielding a silky yet warm dessert, with the beginning of some nuttiness. This is a single quinta wine, the grapes...
by Ray Johnson | May 17, 2010 | Fortified dessert, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Portugal
The Rare Wine Co., Madeira, Historic Series, New York Malmsey, Special Reserve nv The nose is smoky and dark, with brown sugar and more than a hint of the fortifying spirit. In the mouth, the pruny character is in full force, the alcohol is perfectly integrated, the...
by Ray Johnson | May 17, 2010 | Aperitif, Madeira, Portugal, Sercial
Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Sercial nv The nose features dried fruits and nuts, melding a sense of citrus and raisins with honey all wrapped into a nutty dessert. The complexity is great and always leads one down a garden path to expect loads of sweetness but we...
