by Ray Johnson | Sep 28, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District
I’ve long been a fan of the Riesling produced by Smith-Madrone and further an ardent admirer of their willingness to stick with a grape which despite the great wines it can deliver, doesn’t bring home the biggest side of bacon in the Napa Valley. Their...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 28, 2009 | California, Clarksburg, Viognier
We visited with Joe Lange at the winery during the summer and he took us through their most state-of-the-art facility. We learned about the tremendous commitment the Lange family has made to sustainability. And on top of that, they’re making some awesome wines...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 27, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Frostwatch, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, Chardonnay 2007 The nose is complex and toasty with a sense of hazlenuts. In the mouth the fruits are tropical, like papaya and pineapple. This is a big-bodied Chardonnay with viscosity and buttery richness, as well as...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2009 | California, Lodi, Petite Sirah
Earthquake, Lodi, Petite Sirah 2005 In the nose there’s a very ripe sense of berries in this wine, with chocolate thrown on top. In the mouth the tannins are present but tamed compared to what you might expect with Petite. There’s ample richness as well,...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 23, 2009 | California, Monterey County, Riesling
J. Lohr Estates, Monterey County, Bay Mist, White Riesling 2007 The nose features minerality and a little petrol. Over the years this wine has been spot-on with light RS and balancing acidity. 100% Riesling with some botrytis, all stainless, and 21.9 g/l RS, P&B...
