by Ray Johnson | Aug 4, 2010 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir
Toulouse Vineyards, Anderson Valley, Estate, Pinot Noir 2007 In the nose there is a sense of the forest floor and toasty, smoky oak. In the mouth it shows as an elegant style of Pinot Noir, very supple and approachable. We tasted a few weekends ago at the winery and a...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 3, 2010 | California, Fortified dessert, Muscat
Quady, California, Elysium, Black Muscat 2006 The nose features a grapy/berry expression, a bit liquer-like. In the mouth it is light-bodied and sweet, reminiscent of fresh raspberries and grape jelly – nice. Winemaker Michael Blaylock. P&B in Madera, L0702,...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 31, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley
Emblem, Napa Valley, Oso Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 This is very refined Cabernet. The nose sports the ripeness of Cassis with the richness of vanilla and chocolate. In the mouth the edges are all polished, a ripe wine yet one whose structure is lurking in the...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 30, 2010 | California, Carneros, Chardonnay
Saintsbury, Carneros, Chardonnay 2008 The nose features hazelnuts and tropical fruit in ample supply. In the mouth viscosity is matched by acidity, creating a balanced wine that showcases stone fruits like peaches and apricots and tropical fruits like pineapple and...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 29, 2010 | California, Napa Valley, Pinot Gris and Grigio
Swanson, Napa Valley, Pinot Grigio 2008 The nose features a mix of citrus and tropical fruits with a bit of green herbs. In the mouth it is fresh and fruity, showing the essence of orange and grapefruit with ample acidity – nice. The grapes behind this wine are...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 28, 2010 | California, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah
JC Cellars, Santa Barbara County, Fess Parker’s Vineyard, Syrah 2007 Give this wine a bit of air, 10 minutes or so to blow off a bit of reductive character. Then the black fruit will emerge, wrapped in a jacket of leather. In the mouth there are notes of tar and...
