Category Archives: California

Sonoma State Sensory Evaluation Workshop

Posted on March 28, 2013 by Ray Johnson

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in 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 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cyrus 1998

Posted on November 24, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Alexander Valley Vineyards, Cyrus 1998 14 years on this wine is looking youthful in the glass, with hues of red and just a hint of orange at the edge.  In the nose an oaky expression entices with an expectation of richness. On … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Reata Chardonnay 2010

Posted on November 17, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Reata, Carneros, Chardonnay 2010 The nose features freshly baked biscuits dabbed in butter topped with peaches – you get a sense of the fruit accentuated by the winemakers touch. In the mouth the texture is luscious, buttery with the freshness … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Chardonnay | Tagged | 1 Comment

Sonoma State Cellars

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Ray Johnson

We spent the morning at Kokomo Winery today, putting the final touches on the first release from Sonoma State Cellars. If you’re in Dry Creek Valley on Saturday, join the party that we’re throwing at Timber Crest Farms.  Bastille Day … Continue reading →

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Bonterra Chardonnay 2010

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Bonterra, Mendocino County, Chardonnay 2010 The nose features fresh stones fruits and a splash of new oak.  In the mouth the fruit expression is quite lively, citrus, apricots, peaches and the freshness of summer sunshine. Besides the Chardonnay, the grapes behind … Continue reading →

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More Red Wines of Lake County

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Bell Hill, Lake County, Merlot 2005 When first tasted in July 2009, I wrote: the nose features sweet notes of vanilla and cherries while the mouth repeats with ripe tannins, just to let you know they are there – very … Continue reading →

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White Wines of Lake County

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Shannon Ridge, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Citrus is the theme throughout the nose and on the palate, crisp and refreshing. Fermented in stainless and bottled under a screwcap closure. Vinted and bottled in Geyserville 13.5% and available for $26 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Lake County, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Napa Cellars Dyer Vineyard Syrah 2009

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Napa Cellars, Carneros, Dyer Vineyard, Syrah 2009 This is a sweet smelling Syrah, forecasting ripe fruit on the palate. That comes through without a doubt, with loads of berries and a very supple texture. A bonus to the experience is … Continue reading →

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St. Rose Pinot Noir 2099

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Ray Johnson

St. Rose, Russian River Valley, Nunes Vineyard, Ten Block, Pinot Noir 2009 The nose features cherries and raspberries – ebulliently fruity and graced with a touch a vanilla. In the mouth the theme of fresh Pinot fruit continues on a … Continue reading →

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Bonterra Sauvignon Blanc 2010

Posted on April 15, 2012 by Ray Johnson

Bonterra, 58% Lake County, 42% Mendocino County, Sauvignon Blanc 2010 The nose is a full-on experience of citrus, as in a slice fresh grapefruit and a wedge of lemon. The flavors follow suit in the mouth with the zippiness that … Continue reading →

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