by Ray Johnson | Nov 14, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Merlot, Napa Valley
Winemaker Chris Millard had an opportunity to visit with our Napa Valley class to describe the wines that he is crafting at Newton. On top of the mountain overlooking St. Helena, he has an extraordinary amount of fruit to select from, giving him the luxury of selling...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 13, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Napa Valley
Kendall-Jackson, Napa Valley, Stature 2001 There’s a nice ripe structure to this wine, giving it chewiness and the acidity to frame the still quite youthful fruit – nice. The grapes behind this Bordeaux blend are about 2/3 Cabernet Sauvignon and 1/3 Merlot...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 12, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley
Merryvale, Napa Valley, Profile 2006 The nose features sweet new oak, bay leaves, fresh cherries and cherry pie. In the mouth the wine is dense and tightly wound – just packed with flavor. There’s lots of cherry fruit accented by vanilla and ripe tannins....
by Ray Johnson | Oct 31, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Oakville
Shelter, Napa Valley, The Butcher, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 The nose features vibrant black currants with notes of tobacco and the cigar box. In the mouth there is nice density, the acidity shines and the tannins are very ripe. This is an elegant Cabernet, with...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 10, 2009 | Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Malbec, Merlot, Sonoma County
Spragia Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Home Ranch, Merlot 2006 The nose features a strong blast of fresh oak. In the mouth that note carries through, with plummy fruit, a little warmth and a supple texture. V&B in St. Helena 15.6% $19.99 at Bottle Barn...
by Ray Johnson | Sep 29, 2009 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Stags Leap District
Franciscan, Napa Valley, Magnificat 2004 This wine exudes sweet ripe fruit in the nose. This profile follows through in the mouth with chalky tannins and lingering acidity. Produced and bottled in Rutherford 14.5% $50 at the winery for the latest vintage ’05...
