by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
Canzona Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 There are sweet smells of caramel and vanilla, bright cherry fruit, cassis and a hint of cigar box. The mouthfeel is supple. Certainly the structure of Cabernet is there to experience, but the tannins are ripe...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2009 | California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
I had an opportunity to visit with Paul and Kathryn Sloan of Small Vines Wines on Sunday, during their open house at the winery in Santa Rosa. We retasted the ’06 Russian River and ’06 Sonoma Coast which I reviewed back in the fall of ’08. These two...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 27, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County
Kimmel, Mendocino, Chardonnay 2007 The tropical notes on this wine are explosive. It’s as if there’s a banana Popsicle hiding in the glass. Joining with the fruit there are brown spices and a sense of freshly-split oak. In the mouth the wine is quite...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 27, 2009 | Aragon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carinena, Spain, Syrah, Tempranillo
Jordan de Asso, Carinena DO, Crianza 2005 This wine features a great balance of oak and fruity flavors, driven by a long sense of acidity. The grapes behind this blend are 40% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah. The wine was aged in 100% French oak for...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 24, 2009 | Alexander Valley, California, Port, Sonoma County
Trentadue, Alexander Valley, Estate, Zinfandel, Port 2003 Raisins mix with the fortifying spirit in the nose, a sense of candy with a bit of brandy thrown in. The mouth features ripe cherries, prunes, brown sugar and the alcohol boost. Grown, Produced & Bottled in...
