by Ray Johnson | May 14, 2010 | California, Sparkling Dry
Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, Brut Rose nv The house style is fruit-forward. A noticeable dosage amplifies the red fruit character with a complementary sweetness. The process is methode traditionnelle. P&B in Napa 12.5% purchased for $17.79 at Bottle Barn Mumm...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot
These wines were first tasted during a visit with Alan Viader at the estate on April 30. I bought two of my favorites to share with the UC Berkeley class in San Francisco on May 12. The notes below are a combination of observations from the two tastings. Dare by...
by Ray Johnson | May 12, 2010 | Cabernet Franc, California, Rockpile, Sonoma County
Stryker Sonoma, Rockpile, Rockpile Vineyard, Cabernet Franc 2007 The nose features sweet vanilla, cedar, cherries and pencil shavings. The mouth shows a rich texture, quite plush with the essence of nuttiness and caramel wrapped around a dark chocolate cookie –...
by Ray Johnson | May 10, 2010 | Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Virginia
Kendall-Jackson, Knights Valley, Highland Estates, Trace Ridge, Red Wine 2006 Unfortunately this bottle is corked. The grapes behind this wine are 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for 19 months in French oak, 45% of which was...
by Ray Johnson | May 10, 2010 | Albariño, California, Carneros, Clements Hills, Lodi, Napa Valley
Abrente, Napa Valley, Albarino 2009 The fruit in the nose is vibrant, running from citrus through tropical notes. In the mouth the flavor is that of fresh oranges, light-bodied and fresh, with long lingering acidity. The grapes are sourced from the Stewart Ranch in...
by Ray Johnson | May 7, 2010 | California, Lodi, Tempranillo
Harney Lane, Lodi, Tempranillo 2006 The nose features vanilla, raspberry liquer and freshly split oak – very rich. In the mouth you’ll find tart berry fruit, ripe, velvety tannins, a little warmth and a sense of dark chocolate – nice. This is a rich...
