by Ray Johnson | Jul 2, 2008 | Corvina, Italy, Valpolicella, Veneto
Corteforte Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripassato 2004 The smell of raisins is definitely there in a silky, sweet-appearing palate. The wine is dry but the fruit is amped up so that it appears sweet, unless there is a touch of sub-threshold RS. In April ’09...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 2, 2008 | Garganega, Italy, Soave, Veneto
Pieropan Soave Classico DOC Estate Grown & Bottled 2006 In previous vintages this wine has been quite fresh and clean. Again it is this vintage with sweet floral and perfume and a light-bodied, dry palate. The grapes are 90% Garganega and 10% Trebbiano and the...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 1, 2008 | California, Sardon de Duero, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Spain
Abadia Retuerta, Sardón de Duero, Seleccion Especial 2004 Herbaceous notes like in Cab Franc in the nose. The mouth is full-bodied with acid and ripe tannins at the time of the original post with an oaky backcurrent. A year later the tannins are drying out and...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 1, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Grenache, Sonoma County
Unti has been doing some great work with varieties beyond the mainstream. Unti Dry Creek Valley Grenache 2006 The 2005 vintage showed the fruit that Grenache can deliver. This vintage features a perfume like baby powder and candied fruit. In the mouth there’s...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 30, 2008 | California, Carneros, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Mumm Napa Napa Valley Devaux Ranch Methode Traditionnelle 2002 There’s lots of citrus with a hint of the zest and a touch of alcohol. The grapes are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the wine was aged 3 years on the lees. P&B in Rutherford 12.5% $30 at the...
