by Ray Johnson | Jul 11, 2008 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Haut-Medoc, Merlot, Napa Valley, Rutherford
Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut-Medoc 2005 Toasty oak, ripe tannins and black fruits – delicious. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc from vines at an average 30 years old. Mis au chateau par Jean Gautreau in St. Seurin de Cadourne 13% $54.99...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 9, 2008 | Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Languedoc
Excitement and innovation from the south of France Les Calades Vin de Pays d’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Very overt berries, very light-bodied and a little bit of an astringent edge. 13.5% $7.99 at Bottle Barn Mas de Daumas Gassac Vin de Pays de L’Herault...
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 | Jun 24, 2008 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Carneros, Napa Valley, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
Here we take another look at variations on the taste and feel of dry red wine. ZD Carneros Pinot Noir 2006 Lots of sweet cherries and palpable acidity make this a refreshing Pinot. This wine originates with Pinot grown in certified organic vineyards. The wine is then...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 23, 2008 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Lodi, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma County
Like white wine, red wine comes in many shapes and sizes, from the silky, flowing ribbons to brawny, square-jawed brawlers. Here are 3 takes on red wine style. Lincourt Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2004 Easy drinking cherries in a glass. This wine is a compilation...
by Ray Johnson | May 25, 2008 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sonoma County
Stryker Sonoma sits on a little hill with a broad view of the Alexander Valley. We recently visited with Jen Berman on the winemaking team and the Bordeaux varietals were top-notch. I thoroughly enjoyed the chocolaty Merlot and the supple and vanilla spiced Petit. As...
