by Ray Johnson | Apr 4, 2008 | Albariño, California, Carneros, Napa Valley
Havens Napa Valley Carneros Albarino 2006 This wines has been a spot-on fresh example of Albarino; I only wish it was more widely available. P&B in Napa 12.5% $19.49 at Bottle Barn Havens
by Ray Johnson | Apr 3, 2008 | California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County
Last night in the UC California class, The Great Wines of Northern California, we sampled a stunning Pinot priced just shy of $15. Willowbrook, Sonoma County, Pinot Noir 2006 This wine exudes fruit in an elegant way, is framed by acidity and enhanced by an appropriate...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 31, 2008 | California, Pinot Noir
2006 Mirassou California Pinot Noir There still are values to be found in the ever popular and price-escalating field of Pinot Noir. This wine was a hit in two of my recent classes, showcasing clean fruit, light body and the acidity to make it refreshing. V&B in...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 21, 2008 | Amador County, Barbera, California, Lodi
Montevina Amador County 2005 This has been a consistent good value in California Barbera, showing a light-bodied, fruit forward style. P&B in Plymouth 13.5% $7.49 at Bottle Barn Montevina Michael & David 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zin 2006 This wine has been a...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 21, 2008 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Monterey County, Riesling, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting through this flight of 3 can give you a sense of your favorite style of white wine. Perhaps you love the full on acidity of the Hanna, prefer the richness of the Benziger or find the light sweetness of the Lohr most appealing. Like me, you may enjoy them all,...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 6, 2008 | California, Champagne, France, Mendocino County, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Brut and Natural are words that we use to describe the final dosage or sweetness level of sparkling wine. In France, Natural, Brut Nature or any of the various proprietary names communicating the same, ranges from 0 to 6 g/l. Brut, the next level of increasing...
