by Ray Johnson | Aug 27, 2008 | Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc, Riesling
Trimbach, Alsace, Pinot Blanc 2005 Light floral notes mark the nose and the mouth has a rather creamy texture, very little residual sugar, a moderate amount of acid and the taste of stone fruits; it’s nice and simple for the price. Mis en bouteille a Ribeauville...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 26, 2008 | Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 2004 The previous vintage was a concentrated, oaky heavyweight, still in its infancy when tasted in late ’07. This ’04 smells of sweet oak and New World fruit. Again we see a tannic monster that is caressed by...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 26, 2008 | California
Cascina Castle’t, Barbera d’Asti DOC 2005 Blueberries and plums in a light-bodied, high acid format. Estate bottled by Maria Borio in Costigliole d’Asti 13.5% $11.99 at Traverso’s Cascina Castlet Bruno Giacosa, Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 2007...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 26, 2008 | Arneis, Cortese, Gavi di Gavi, Italy, Langhe, Petite Sirah
Ceretto, Langhe, Arneis DOC, Blange’ 2007 This is quite fresh with lots of flowers, citrus fruit, moderate acidity and a light body. Blange is the name of Ceretto’s estate property, devoted to Arneis, spread over two villages. The wine’s production...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 21, 2008 | California, Cucamonga Valley, Lake County, Muscat, Sherry, White Dessert
Bonterra, Lake County, Bartolucci Vineyard, Muscat 2004 This wine has been well-made since the good old days when the you could taste it at the beautiful Valley Oaks facility. There are the compelling floral notes associated with Muscat plus some pastry-like...
