by Ray Johnson | Jul 22, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Hartford Court, Russian River, Four Hearts Vineyards, Chardonnay 2007 This is a large Chardonnay, big, rich and mouth-filling. There’s plenty of butter and oak to please those in search of a full-on California Chard yet there is also a core of fruit and acidity...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 17, 2010 | California, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Foppiano, Russian River Valley, Estate Bottled, Rose 2009 The nose features flowers, candied red fruits and a bit of bubble gum. In the mouth the fruit shows nicely, the acidity is mild and the palate is broad. It is reminiscent of a rose from the southern Rhone, like...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 14, 2010 | California, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Robert Rue, Russian River Valley, Wood Road, Reserve, Zinfandel 2007 Sweet and jammy fruit exudes in the nose with the spiciness of black pepper. In the mouth you’ll find a structured Zin, lightly tannic, with plenty of acidity and lastly a bit of caramel...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 13, 2010 | California, Muscat, White Dessert
Quady, California, Orange Muscat, Electra 2009 This wine features much of the taste of fresh Muscat with petillance and acidity to balance the thickness. RS is in the range of 16- 17% and the wine is bottled under Stelvin. This remains an exceptional value in dessert...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 12, 2010 | Amador County, California, Sangiovese, Sierra Foothills
Noceto, Amador County, Sangiovese 2007 Cherries are on display in the nose. In the mouth they follow through with plenty of acidity and a light-bodied, smooth mouthfeel – nice. P&B in Plymouth by Suzy and Jim Gullett 14% purchased for $13.69 at Bottle Barn...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 11, 2010 | California, Clear Lake, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc
Ceago Vinegarden, Clear Lake, Kathleen’s Vineyard, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 In the nose the fruit shows the character of peaches with notes of tropical fruit as well – absolutely vibrant. In the mouth, the fruit is also on full display. There’s a...