by Ray Johnson | May 5, 2010 | Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Willowbrook, Russian River Valley, J.C.O. Limited, Estate Grown, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose is a very sweet expression of oak and ripe fruit. In the mouth, this Pinot is silky and warm, showing caramel over freshly baked cherry pie. Winemaker Joseph Otos. P&B in...
by Ray Johnson | May 3, 2010 | California, Chardonnay
Sutter Home, California, Chardonnay 2008 The nose features ripe stone fruit and perfume – very fresh. In the mouth this wine is fruity, round, lightly concentrated and lightly sweet. Vinted and bottled in St. Helena 13% $7.59 for a 1.5 litre bottle, purchased at...
by Ray Johnson | May 3, 2010 | California, Sauvignon Blanc
Both of these wines fill a role in providing inexpensive white wine for the equivalent of less than $5.00 per 750ml bottle. While there are similarities between the two wines, the styling is different. Sutter Home, California, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Citrus and some of...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | California, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Viognier
Cline, Sonoma Coast, Estate Grown, Viognier 2008 The peachy character of Viognier expresses itself in the nose. In the mouth you’ll find more of the same, with some palpable acidity and a little touch of creaminess – nice. Knowing how hot and weighty...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | California, Grenache, Rhône, Rosé, Syrah, Tavel
This flight is a great comparison of two different approaches to rose, one with rapier-like acidity and the other with a broad and weighty mouthfeel. The Ojai Vineyard, California, Rose 2009 This rose shows an expression of citrus and cherries in the nose, along with...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 28, 2010 | California, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Paso Robles, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Syrah
Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cotes de Tablas 2008 The fruit is fresh and lively in the nose, with floral notes and sweet spice. In the mouth it is medium-bodied, very fruity and structured, making it a winner with grilled pork and a fruity but savoury reduction...
