by Ray Johnson | Nov 22, 2009 | California, Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Spragia Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley – Sonoma County, Home Ranch, Chardonnay 2007 This is a rich style of Chardonnay that strikes the balance between fruit, acidity, butteriness and oak. We always dissect these components in the classroom, looking at them...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 21, 2009 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County
Chronicle, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose sports sweet cherry and raspberries, with vanilla and cinnamon. The mouth shows these fruits again in a sleek format, a texture that is silky and ripe – delicious. Think about this Pinot when you want one to...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 20, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Fortified dessert, Napa Valley, Port
Prager, Napa Valley, Noble Companion, Tawny Port You’ll find golden raisins, dates, nuttiness and a sense of the spirit in the nose – but more than that. The fruit character is citrussy, like oranges stuck with cloves and drizzled with brandy in...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 20, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Meritage, Napa Valley
Conn Creek Winery, Napa Valley, Limited Release, Cabernet Sauvignon 2000 The fruit is flagging in the nose where the sense of spirit has taken over. But the fruit still puts in an appearance when you put the wine in your mouth, with a sense of cranberries on a spread...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 20, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
La Jota Vineyard Co., Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 The nose if full of brown spices, cinnamon and cloves with a sense of minerality, candy and a spirituous character. Unfortunately the wine is drying out, a bit past...
