by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2010 | Amador County, California, Dry Creek Valley, Sierra Foothills, Sonoma County, Zinfandel
Sobon Estate, Amador County, Old Vines, Zinfandel 2008 Here’s a light-bodied Zin that is quite fruity and ready to quaff. There’s a little sweetness working in the background (about 3 grams per litre) along with a light touch of eucalyptus and a little...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 21, 2010 | Albariño, California, Monterey County
Ca’ del Solo, Monterey County, Estate Vineyard, Albarino 2008 This wine features a strong signature of citrus and refreshing acidity with a little sense of alcohol as well. The intrusion of the alcohol is disappointing given the beauty of the previous vintage....
by Ray Johnson | Apr 20, 2010 | California
Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute is hosting the annual Wine Career Night on Thursday evening. The event provides a great networking opportunity for those of you already in the industry as well as those of you looking for a door to entry. I spoke with...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 19, 2010 | Blush, California, White Zinfandel, Zinfandel
Beringer, California, California Collection, White Zinfandel 2009 Watermelon and strawberries fly from the glass with a sense of candy and sweet flowers. The mouth displays sweetness and strawberry with balancing acidity – nice. 3 hours of skin contact provide...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 18, 2010 | Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Before moving to California, I worked in a flash French restaurant back in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This was the mid-eighties and all of the staff were died in the wool Francophiles, disdaining New World wine while seldom ever tasting it. Local wine critic Peter...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 16, 2010 | California, Grand Noir, Grenache, Rhone Blend, Santa Clara County, Syrah
Storrs, Santa Clara County, Two Creek Vineyard, Red Wine 2006 The nose features a big heft of vanilla and freshly split oak. The oaky flavors carry through on the palate, with ripe black fruit and warmth. I can’t believe as I go through my notes that this is the...
