by Ray Johnson | Apr 18, 2010 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Before moving to California, I worked in a flash French restaurant back in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This was the mid-eighties and all of the staff were died in the wool Francophiles, disdaining New World wine while seldom ever tasting it. Local wine critic Peter...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 15, 2010 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Graves, Merlot, Pessac-Leognan
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 2006 The smells in the nose include raspberries, cherries, leather and the sweetness and toastiness of oak. In the mouth it is earthy and smoky, exhibiting complexity and a supple texture – very approachable. The grapes...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 10, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
Spragia Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Andolsen Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 The nose features Cassis and a touch of the forest floor, a light green element adding complexity and a nice dash of vanilla. In the mouth it is muscular and youthful, quite tannic...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 8, 2010 | Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, South Eastern Australia
McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate, South Eastern Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 This is a light-bodied quaffer, a Cabernet that is smooth and fruity with a touch of sweetness. Here is a Cabernet to try if you’re hesitant about this grape. Often the profile is...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 6, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Glen Ellen, California, Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 There’s a sense of whole berries, sweet and a little tooty-fruity with a vanilla veneer. In the mouth this wine is a bit sweet, quite fruity and fairly gripping – disappointing. Vinted and Bottled...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 1, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Oakville, Rutherford
Kelleher, Oakville, Napa Valley, Brix Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Toasty oak marks the nose along with Cassis. In the mouth this wine is supple and the oaky expression continues with a nice thread of acidity.The wine was aged in French oak for 2 years, 50% of...
