by Ray Johnson | Nov 3, 2009 | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Napa Valley
Robert Sinskey Vineyards, Napa Valley, POV, Red Wine 2006 This wine features a bevy of fresh blueberries and a complementary dusting of oak; it’s light-bodied with ripe tannins and a healthy acidity to encourage consumtion with a roasted pork tenderloin, sauced...
by Ray Johnson | Nov 1, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena, Zinfandel
Appellation St. Helena hosted a tasting on Tuesday to show off the wines of the AVA. We discussed the recent vintages and tasted 48 wines, with a strong emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon. Below is a baker’s dozen, the stars of the tasting – great Cabernet but...
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 30, 2009 | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley
Stonegate, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley, Spaulding Vineyard, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 This wine delivers chocolate wrapped in black fruits with a healthy dusting of oak on a big structure. The acidity carries the flavors a long way and while this...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 16, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley
Honig, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 I’ve long been a fan of Honig’s wines and the fairness of their pricing. This Cabernet has structure to hold up the fruit, showing California ripeness with the a chewiness and long acidity – very nice. 3%...
by Ray Johnson | Oct 14, 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Priorat, Spain, Syrah
Vall Llach, Priorat DOQ, Embruix 2005 The nose features a sweetness, black fruits with blackberry jam. In the mouth the sweet theme continues, with very ripe, jammy fruit, density yet suppleness, warmth, a bit of tannin and lowish acidity, a sense that this wine came...
