by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | California, Contra Costa County, Mourvedre
Cline, Contra Costa County, Ancient Vines, Mourvedre 2007 Give this some air as it is a little reductive upon first opening. In the mouth the black fruit is apparent with ample acidity and light body. P&B in Sonoma 15% $10.99 at Bottle Barn Cline Cellars Cline,...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | California, Santa Barbara County, Syrah
JC Cellars, Santa Barbara County, Fess Parker’s Vineyard, Syrah 2006 This Syrah features boatloads of oak through and through. The mouthfeel is supple and the oak adds a sweet vanilla appearance, enriching the wine further. Winemaker Jeff Cohn. P&B in...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 21, 2009 | Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Syrah
Alain Graillot, Crozes Hermitage 2007 In the nose you sense the classic black pepper along with a meatiness and herbal character, perhaps hinting at rosemary and thyme. In the mouth this is a structured Syrah, acidic and tannic, delicious and long. Vinifie, eleve et...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 19, 2009 | California, Monterey County, Sauvignon Blanc
Scheid Vineyards, Monterey, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This wine features a nice burst of grapefruit, moderate concentration and a little warmth. 90% of the wine was produced in stainless while the remaining 10% was aged in three year-old French oak barrels....
by Ray Johnson | Oct 18, 2009 | Bennett Valley, California, Sonoma County, Syrah
Grey Stack, Bennett Valley, Dry Stack Vineyard, Marie’s Block, Syrah 2007 This Syrah brings a sense of the northern Rhone to Sonoma County. There’s tar on top of the black fruit in the nose, with meatiness and a floral component like lavender. In the mouth...
