by Ray Johnson | Apr 15, 2009 | Alexander Valley, Barbera, California, Sonoma County
Seghesio Alexander Valley, Barbera 2007 The new vintage of this wine smells as fetching as ever, exploding with a freshness of fruit as if still in the making at the winery. There’s also a sense of the rather immense alcohol showing itself before you even put it...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 1, 2009 | Amador County, Barbera, California, Sierra Foothills
R (Jeff Runquist), Amador County, Cooper Vineyard, Barbera 2007 There is a sweet, liquer-like sense to the nose, with plenty of vanilla. The fruit drives the flavors in the mouth with a heavy wack of oak for richness and the characteristic acidity of Barbera to keep...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 8, 2008 | Barbera, Barolo, California, Dolcetto, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Grignolino 2005 Truly one of the ‘lightest of the light’ red wines and an aromatic charmer as well. P&B in St. Helena 12.5% $15.50 at Traverso’s Heitz Poderi Aldo Conterno Langhe Dolcetto DOC Masante 2006 Quite dense and...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 7, 2008 | Amador County, Barbera, California
Yorba Amador County Barbera 2005 A touch rustic but the fruit comes out showing nicely after 15 minutes. One of the students suggested stewed rhubarb as a descriptor, which was right on, when you think of the tartness of rhubarb and the classic acidity of Barbera,...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 27, 2008 | Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Piemonte, Pinot Noir
Traditional appellation wine versus a modern blend from Piemonte. Vietti, Barolo DOCG, Castiglione 2004 In June of ’08 I noted brown spices and licorice on a very tannic frame that is balanced by acidity and extract. In April of ’09, this wine is...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 11, 2008 | Alexander Valley, Barbera, California
Seghesio Alexander Valley Barbera 2006 Previous vintages with the broader Sonoma appellation showed the zip of Barbera with a richness to take Barbera beyond it’s workhorse role as a mere foil to fatty food. This latest offering repeats the style. The smell is...
