by Ray Johnson | Jun 27, 2008 | Calatayud, California, Ribera del Duero, Spain
San Alejandro Calatalud Las Rocas Garnacha 2005 100% Grenache, 70-100 years old. The Las Rocas line is bottled for Eric Solomon, from a cooperative effort of growers in Calatalud. Elabroado y embotellado in Miedes 14.5% $8.49 at Bottle Barn Legaris Ribera del Duero DO...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 27, 2008 | Albariño, California, Galicia, Monterey County, Rias Baixas, Spain
Albarino, a.k.a., Alvarinho, is hot. This refresher from Iberia is becoming more visible in America, with more imports from abroad and more plantings on the homefront. Condes de Albarei, Rias Baixas DO, Albarino 2007 Fully aromatic and lip smacking with a sweet/tart...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 25, 2008 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Mendocino County, Petite Sirah, Redwood Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Zin and Petite often work together, one behind the scenes of the other who gets the billing on the label. Claudia Springs Redwood Valley John Ricetti Vineyard Zinfandel 2005 There’s jammy fruit and a little warmth from the alcohol. Winemaker Bob Klindt. P&B...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 25, 2008 | California
Pine Ridge California Chenin Blanc – Viognier 2007 Pine Ridge has made some incarnation of Chenin for years. This blend couples 80% Chenin Blanc, which has ample acidity, with 20% Viognier, adding aromatics and lusciousness. There’s a touch of residual...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 25, 2008 | California, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley
There’s a broad spectrum to what is considered dry white wine, as we see in these two examples from California. Kunde Estate Sonoma Valley Magnolia Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is an exciting wine of floral and citrus notes, high acidity and light body. G, P...
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...
