by Ray Johnson | Mar 28, 2013 | Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape
Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line. Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2012 | Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc, Sparkling Dry
Pierre Sparr, Cremant d’Alsace, Brut, Reserve The nose features sweet flowers, a perfumed character, with pears and apples. In the mouth there is a soft impression, fruity with moderate acidity – nicely crafted as an aperitif. The grapes behind this wine...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 19, 2011 | Alsace, Alto Adige, France, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Portugal, Vinho Verde
Caves Allianca, Vinho Verde DOC, Branco Unfortunately this bottle is showing some volatility. What is true to type about this wine is the petillance, light body and high acidity. This purchase was bottled in 2010 in Anadia 9% $5.49 at Bottle Barn Caves Alianca Cantina...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 10, 2010 | Alsace, California, France, Gewurztraminer
This flight features two very different incarnations of this grape; both well-done yet very different. Domaine Zind Humbrecht, Alsace, Gewurztraminer 2008 The nose features roses galore, a spicy floral production with honey and tropical fruit in the mix as well. In...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 16, 2010 | Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc
Lucien Albrecht, Alsace, Pinot Blanc, Cuvee Balthazar 2008 The nose features flowers and minerality. In the mouth the fruit has a candy-like character, framed by acidity. The body is light and augmented by a little creaminess. Balthazar Albrecht settled in Orschwir in...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 9, 2009 | Alsace, France, Gewurztraminer
Trimbach, Alsace, Gewurztraminer 2006 In the nose you’ll find lychee, spicy flowers, green herbs and roses. In the mouth this rendering of the grape is broad, lowish in acid, rounded, featuring an evolved tropical fruit character, a sense of complexity with a...