by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Zinfandel
Clif Family Winery, California, The Climber, Red Wine 2009 This is abundantly fruity, with a profound sense of blackberries, plums and I’m not sure what else. This recalls a recent discussion among with a group of colleagues who write and teach about wine....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2011 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Viansa, Carneros – Sonoma Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2009 This is a rich style of Chardonnay, with the smell of apple pie – think of the freshly baked crust sprinkled with brown spices. In the mouth the theme of richness continues with butter and oaky...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 18, 2011 | Australia, Margaret River, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Western Australia
Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, Siblings 2009 This vintage has 62% Sauvignon Blanc and 38% Semillon in the mix. The nose features a combination of grass, citrus and gooseberry. In the mouth the citrus is pronounced, as if eating very ripe grapefruit sprinkled with...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 17, 2011 | Australia, Clare Valley, Riesling, South Australia, Watervale
Kilikanoon, Clare Valley, Watervale, Mort’s Block, Riesling 2009 The nose displays fresh flowers, apricots and a note of petrol. In the mouth, the concentration is intense, with lots of minerality, lots of acidity and great length – very nice. This wine...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 16, 2011 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sonoma County
We had an opportunity to take a deeper look at the wines of Silver Oak and Twomey in Oakville today. Below are notes on two of my favorites. Silver Oak, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The nose speaks of Cassis, vanilla, lots of caramel – a strong...
