by Ray Johnson | Jun 11, 2010 | California, Lake County, Mendocino County, Riesling
Bonterra, 88% Lake County, 12% Mendocino County, Riesling 2009 There’s a medley of fruits in the nose, including lime, pears and peaches, accented by lots of freshly picked sweet and spicy flowers. In the mouth the citrus and stone fruits come through vibrantly,...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 10, 2010 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County
Reynoso Family Vineyards, Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 The nose features cocoa and vanilla with a dash of mint, quite sweet-appearing, in the way that dry wines echo the sweet smells we associate with dessert. In the mouth it’s reminiscent of a milk...
by Ray Johnson | Jun 10, 2010 | California, Napa Valley, Semillon
Semillon in California seems to have a bit of a Rodney Dangerfield image, playing second fiddle behind the more photogenic stars of the viticultural landscape. Yet in Australia’s Hunter and Bordeaux’s Sauternes, it is the star. I was delighted to find a...
by Ray Johnson | May 18, 2010 | Alexander Valley, California, Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Geyser Peak, Alexander Valley, Water Bend, Block Collection, Chardonnay 2008 This Chardonnay speaks richness on all fronts, toasty, buttery, ripe tropical fruit and a thick, rather unctuous texture in the mouth. Produced and bottled under Stelvin in Geyersville 14.1%...
by Ray Johnson | May 14, 2010 | California, Carneros, Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Perrier-Jouet, Champagne, Cuvee Belle Epoque, Fleur de Champagne, Brut 2000 The cork was quite compacted and the bottle opened with hardly a whisper. The color is taking on a light golden hue. Yet in the nose it delivers the fresh apples and apple pie, with a dash of...
by Ray Johnson | May 14, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Green Valley, North Coast, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
Schramsberg, North Coast, Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006 There are very pretty floral notes in the nose, with fresh pears and apples and a bit of bread dough. In the mouth the fruit continues with some pastry richness and the zip of green apples – very nice. 100%...
