by Ray Johnson | Sep 16, 2008 | Italy, Vermouth
Cinzano, Vermouth Rosso nv This has proved to be a good value vermouth, not with the intensity of those of Carpano or Quady, but the price is right when you’re on a budget; it’s also more widely available. You could pick this up in most supermarkets around...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 15, 2008 | California, Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, Italy, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County
Leo Steen Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2007 This wine was excellent in ’06 and even better this time around. There is the mineral nerve that we associate with Savennieres and the ripeness of fruit that we associate with California sunshine. You can...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 12, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Dutton Estate Every Friday through the end of September and most of October, Cynthia Newcomb at the Dutton Estate is creating a special dish to pair with one of the wines on offer in the tasting room. When I visited recently, she dazzled the guests with a Grilled...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 11, 2008 | Hermann, Missouri, Norton
Stone Hill, Hermann, Estate Bottled, Norton 2005 The nose features the smells of black fruit, compost, tar, cinamon and floral notes like violets. There’s equally a vast medley of flavors on the palate with plenty of backbone. The tannin and acidity make it a...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 11, 2008 | Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo
Marques de Caceres, Rioja, Reserva DOC 2000 The house style is soft and oaky with an appropriate acidic frame. The 2000 at this stage, 8 years on smells delightful; there’s sweet vanilla, earth and some stewed, evolving fruit and veg. The acid shows nicely, the...
