by Ray Johnson | Mar 1, 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Oakville, Rutherford
Kelleher, Oakville, Napa Valley, Brix Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Toasty oak marks the nose along with Cassis. In the mouth this wine is supple and the oaky expression continues with a nice thread of acidity.The wine was aged in French oak for 2 years, 50% of...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 1, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley
Raymond, Napa Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2008 The nose features the smell of fresh oak, stone fruit and a bit of coconut and banana. In the mouth it is smooth and restrained, showing richness without thickness – an elegant Chardonnay. This wine was fermented in...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 28, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County
Rusack, Santa Barbara, Chardonnay 2008 This is a toasty Chardonnay,with the oak out in force. You smell it immediately as your nose approaches the glass. In the mouth the oak is joined by tropical fruit and a bit of butter, making for a rich style of Chardonnay....
by Ray Johnson | Feb 26, 2010 | California, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc
Robledo, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is a delightful Sauvignon. The nose sports citrus and floral notes. In the mouth the wine is clean and vibrantly citrussy with a pleasant acidic zip. Produced and bottled in Kelseyville 14.3% $20 at the winery, a gift...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 25, 2010 | California, High Valley, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc
Brassfield Estate, High Valley, High Serenity Ranch, Estate Bottled, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Give this a little air to allow the fruity aromatics to come to the fore. Then you’ll find pineapple and lemon laced with crushed green herbs. The mouth features a soft...
by Ray Johnson | Feb 22, 2010 | California, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry
Domaine Chandon, California, Brut, Classic nv Unfortunately this wine was corked. The aromatics are dampened and the mouth is astringent. A sense of the dosage is the only element coming through. I was concerned when I removed the foil from the top of the bottle. The...
