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 23, 2010 | Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
Silvio Grasso, Barolo, Ciabot Manzoni 2004 This is a very ripe Nebbiolo, giving a sense of New World fruitiness intertwined with new oak and traditional black licorice. In the mouth it is tannic for sure, yet not austere, actually approachable now. That said, I would...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 14, 2010 | Barbaresco, Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
Moccagatta, Barbaresco, Basarin 2004 The nose features plenty of black licorice and a blush of vanilla. In the mouth this young Barbaresco is approachable, with ripe yet present tannins – another winner from Moccagatta with great length. The grapes are by...
by Ray Johnson | Jan 20, 2009 | Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
Azelia, Barolo, Margheria 2004 In the nose there is black licorice, fresh black fruits and raisins. This highly structured wine is made to age yet the ripeness would allow you to drink it now with a dense chunk of cheese – delicious. Estate bottled di Luigi...
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 | Apr 11, 2008 | Barolo, Nebbiolo, Piemonte
Paolo Scavino Barolo DOCG 2003 The Scavino wines show a consistent polish. There’s loads of black licorice to smell and the tannins, while definitely present, have some ripeness that soften the hard edges of this youthful wine. There’s also a fair bit of...
